THE racing world is in mourning following the devastating loss of Stefano Cherchi.
Cherchi was an apprentice to Marco Botti and rode more than 100 winners in Britain before moving to Australia at the start of the year.
Stefano Cherchi has tragically passed away aged 23PA
What happened to jockey Stefano Cherchi?
Stefano Cherchi has tragically passed away two weeks after a terrible fall when riding in Australia.
The jockey was placed in intensive care with a serious head injury and internal bleeding after his mount fell during a race at Canberra on March 20.
Cherchi’s girlfriend Brittany, the daughter of legendary Flat jockey Kieran Fallon, had flown to Australia to be at his bedside whilst in intensive care.
A post from NSW Jockeys confirmed today: “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.”
Horse trainer Marco Botti, who was largely based with Cherchi during his time in Britain, said on X: “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.”
Cherchi made his British racing debut in August 2018 and rode his first winner in April that year, aboard Botti-trained Withoutdestination at Wolverhampton.
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