Italian Jockey, Stefano Cherchi, has passed away due to injuries suffered from a fall in Australia during March.
Stefano Cherchi Dies Aged 23
The 23-year-old had become an established jockey despite his youth and rode over 100 winners in the various United Kingdom races.
Cherchi, born in Sardinia, was competing in Canberra on March 20th on the day of the fall. The Italian’s mount Hasime fell during the Affinity Electrical Technologies Plate – with another two jockeys avoiding major injury.
The jockey was given treatment on the scene before the medical staff moved him to the nearby hospital and this revealed the severity of such an injury.
Sustaining a major head injury and internal bleeding, Cherchi was kept in the hands of doctors for two weeks following the fall.
During his time in the Australian hospital, Cherchi’s partner Brittany traveled to stay by the jockey’s side and Brittany is the daughter of iconic jockey, Kieren Fallon.
The news has sent shockwaves around the horse racing world and the New South Wales Jockeys Association posted its condolences on social meuda.
The New South Wales Jockeys Association;s post read: “With deep sadness, the Cherchi family have announced their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today.
“The family are very grateful for the love, prayers & messages sent by the racing community across the world.”
Before changing to Australia in the early stages of 2024, Cherchi had partnered 38 winners for infamous trainer, Marco Botti – who has revealed his deepest condolences.
Botti said: “Today is an absolutely heartbreaking day for us all but Stefano will always be with us. His charming character and smile can never be forgotten,”
“Our thoughts are with the Cherchi family and his close friends.”
His impact to British horse racing has been clear and the British Horseracing Authority have praised Cherchi in a recent statement.
The BHA said: “The entire racing industry will be in mourning after the loss of such a talented young man.”
