The New Zealand racing community is grieving the tragic death of apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey, who lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Hamilton on Wednesday.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing confirmed the 18-year-old’s passing, marking a devastating loss for the industry. Hailey had ridden 46 winners during his promising two-year career in the saddle.
“This is an incredibly sad time for New Zealand racing. Ngakau had a bright future ahead of him, and his passing is a heartbreaking loss,” said NZTR’s head of licensing and registrations, Matthew Williamson.
“On behalf of everyone at NZTR and across the wider industry, we extend our deepest condolences to Ngakau’s family, friends, and the many people who knew and rode alongside him. We will ensure support is available to those who need it.”
NZTR’s OnTrack support services are being made available to jockeys, stable staff and other participants impacted by Hailey’s sudden passing.
Hailey had been scheduled to ride Gone Fission for Team Rogerson at Cambridge on Thursday, underscoring the abrupt and tragic nature of the incident.