Rising Kiwi star passes following motor crash

The New Zealand racing community is mourning the tragic loss of apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey, who passed away following a vehicle accident in Hamilton on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old rider was involved in a collision between a dirt bike and a car, sustaining critical injuries before dying later that day in Hamilton Hospital.

“It’s tragic, words just can’t describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens,” said Northern Riding Master Noel Harris of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

Hailey was apprenticed to Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney and began his riding career two years ago. He secured his first race win aboard the Sweeney-trained Chattahoochee at Cambridge in June 2023.

He quickly made an impression in the saddle, registering six more wins that season and ultimately notching up 39 victories across the past two racing years. Harris noted that Hailey was not only gifted but widely respected in the industry.

“He was very polite and he was a very talented boy,” Harris said. “You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was brought up, they just jump on a horse and you are part of it.”

Raised on the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island, Hailey began his riding journey bareback at a young age before moving to Hamilton at age eight. He later developed a passion for Rugby League and played hooker for the Hamilton City Tigers, Waikato Maori, and Waikato District teams.

Although his size limited his opportunities in league, it became a strength when he transitioned into racing. After riding trackwork for the first time on a trip to Pokeno with his uncle, Hailey rediscovered his love for horses.

He began working with trainer Shelley Wright before formally joining Debbie Sweeney’s team as an apprentice, where his natural ability continued to shine.

“He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want,” Harris said. “It’s tragic, he was a lovely boy.”

As tributes pour in, many in the racing world will be reflecting on Hailey’s bright future and the legacy he leaves behind. For those following racing news and betting across Australasia, his absence will be deeply felt.

Kiwi rider Wiremu Pinn, who is based in Sydney, has set up a fundraising page to help the family, and after 24 hours, just over $20,00 donated at the time of writing.