Apprentice jockey Bronte Simpson dies in car crash

The racing industry is mourning the loss of apprentice jockey Bronte Simpson, who has died aged 24 following a single-vehicle accident in country New South Wales.

Simpson, who was apprenticed to Sara Ryan at Wyong before later joining the Jane Clement stable, passed away on Monday night, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the racing community.

Born in Ballarat, Simpson began her riding career in May and made an immediate impression, winning on debut at Muswellbrook aboard Stylebender. She rode 14 winners during her short career, including seven for Clement.

Her rise came after overcoming significant adversity, having suffered serious facial injuries in a workplace accident in 2023 before returning to the saddle.

NSW Police confirmed a woman died after an SUV left the Castlereagh Highway and struck a tree near Mendooran, north-west of Dubbo.

“Passers-by assisted the driver; however, the woman, believed to be aged in her 20s, died at the scene,” a police statement said.

Tributes have flowed from across the industry as colleagues, trainers and riders remember Simpson as a determined and popular young jockey whose life was cut tragically short.