Australian Jockey Simpson Dies in Auto Accident

The racing industry in Australia is mourning the loss of apprentice jockey Bronte Simpson, who died following a single-car accident the evening of Dec. 22. New South Wales Police said a good Samaritan reported the crash on the Castlereagh Highway to the emergency services and tried to assist, but the 24-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Simpson was raised in Ballarat before moving to New South Wales to pursue a riding career, initially apprenticed to Sara Ryan before later working under Tamworth-based trainer Jane Clement. She had to overcome a horrific broken jaw after being kicked in 2023, but made her way back to the saddle and gained a memorable first success on her debut at Muswellbrook in May, scoring on Kristen Buchanan's Stylebender. Simpson rode 14 winners in total, the last of which came 11 days ago on Clement's Toulon Factor at Warren. New South Wales Jockeys' Association boss Tony Crisafi said, "We've lost a member of our family in this devastating and tragic event. "We have been left devastated by the news. On behalf of the association and our fellow jockeys, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Bronte's family. In our ranks, we have a lot of young female riders, many of whom Bronte was very close with, and it has hit them the hardest. The association will wrap its arms around them and make sure we put the right support around them to deal with this tragic event." Ballarat-based jockey Jaylah Kennedy paid tribute to Simpson via X. She wrote: "Sending love and light to all of Bronte's family and friends. A familiar face around our Ballarat community who left to go out and chase her dreams. Tragic that her life has been cut so short, just heartbreaking. Fly high." Rider Jett Stanley also offered his condolences to Simpson's loved ones after winning the opening event at Mornington on Tuesday on John McArdle's Divine Dot. "I'd like to send my condolences after the passing of jockey Bronte Simpson," Stanley said. "I just want to send my love to her family and friends. It's a challenging time. She was very young and taken too soon."