Racing World Mourns: Italian Jockey Dies 2 Weeks After Fall in Canberra

Italian jockey Stefano Cherchi, a 23-year-old who rode more than 100 winners in the UK, has died two weeks after being hurt in a fall at a race meet in Canberra, Australia.

Cherchi was riding in Canberra when his mount fell into the Affinity Electrical Technologies Plate on March 20.

Cherchi Dies After Fall in Canberra

Cherchi's girlfriend, Brittany, the daughter of former British jockey Kieren Fallon, had flown to Australia to be by his bedside.

The New South Wales Jockeys Association wrote that with deep sadness, the Cherchi family peacefully announced their beloved son Cherchi's death today. It added that the family is grateful for the love, prayers, and messages the racing community sends worldwide.

Cherchi was admitted to intensive care with a significant head injury after his mount went down during a race in Canberra. Hasime, his horse, was involved in the incident with two other horses when it went down.

He received medical attention from physicians on the track for about an hour before being transported to the hospital, while the other two riders and horses avoided injury.

Trainer Marco Botti stated that today is a heartbreaking day for them all, but Cherchi will always be with them. He added that his charming character and smile can never be forgotten.

"Our thoughts are with the Cherchi family and his close friends." The rider was "much loved and will be missed," the Professional Jockeys Association said.

It added that Cherchi was immensely famous in the weighing room due to his humbleness, compassion, sense of humor, and gifted rider.

Leading jockey Hollie Doyle also posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Cherchi will be sorely missed as he was one of the good guys.

Furthermore, Cherchi struck gold four times for David Loughnane, who said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to have known and worked with. He continued that his thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

According to the British Horseracing Authority, Cherchi is well respected worldwide. It said that the entire racing industry will be mourning after losing such a talented young man.

Redcar Races — (Photo: Mike Egerton - Pool/Getty Images)

Botti Trains is One of the Best Italian Jockies

For most of his career in Britain, Cherchi rode horses trained by his fellow Italian, Marco Botti. In November, Chelmsford was his most recent mount.

During his time in the UK, the handler of Newmarket said that the rider had been "like a son" to him. Cherchi, who was born in Sardinia, partnered 38 winners for Botti.

In 2018, Cherchi made his debut in the UK. The following April, he rode his first winner at Wolverhampton, Withoutdestination, trained by Botti.

Furthermore, he collaborated with a diverse group of trainers, such as Saeed bin Suroor, the handler of Godolphin, and Amy Murphy, the trainer of Newmarket.