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Jockey Stefano Cherchi has sadly passed away following injuries he suffered in a fall at Canberra two weeks ago.
Stefano Cherchi moved to Newmarket to team up with trainer Marco Botti at the age of sixteen and rode 106 winners in Britain before moving to Warwick Farm, Australia, at the beginning of 2024 to ride during the Australian summer season.
The 23-year-old Sardinian-born jockey was riding Hasime in the third race at Canberra on Wednesday 20 March when his mount fell, with the Jeff Penza-ridden Epic Statement and Shaun Guymer-ridden Dunjenni, both brought down by the fallen horse.
Cherchi was treated on the track for an hour before being taken to hospital for further inspection, where it was later revealed he suffered internal bleeding to the brain.
A statement on X from the New South Wales Jockeys Association account 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 and messages sent by the racing community across the world."
In a statement, the British Horseracing Authority said: "We are heartbroken to hear the news that Stefano Cherchi has died following a fall at Canberra racecourse last month.
"Stefano rode over 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia, and the high esteem in which he was held around the world is clear to see.
"Our thoughts are with his friends, family, and everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. The entire racing industry will be in mourning after the loss of such a talented young man."
The Professional Jockeys Association has also responded, stating: "The PJA and our members are devastated to hear the news from Australia of Stefano's passing.
"As well as being a gifted rider, Stefano was immensely popular in the weighing room due to his humility, kindness and sense of humour. He was very much loved and will be missed even more.
"Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with his partner Brittany, his family, friends and colleagues."
Fellow weighing room colleague and best friend Eoin Walsh lead the tributes to Stefano Cherchi. "His winning numbers just do not do the guy justice," said Walsh.
"He was a talented guy like most of those Sardinians are. He was on the up and I know Annabel Neasham thought an awful lot of him over here and he was getting plenty of opportunities. He was somebody who was going to make a big name for himself in the industry.
"I always held him in such high regard, and I know you can be biased towards your friends but we always thought he was something special.
"I'll make sure I do him proud."
