Stefano Cherchi, who rode more than 100 winners in the United Kingdom, has died after being injured in a fall in Australia last month, the New South Wales Jockeys Association announced on Wednesday. He was 23 years old.
“It is with deep sadness that the Cherchi family announces the peaceful passing of their beloved son, Stefano, today,” the association published on X, formerly Twitter. “The family is so grateful for the love, prayers and messages sent from the racing community around the world.”
The Italian was riding in Canberra on March 20 when his mount, Hasime, fell into the Affinity Electrical Technologies plate, while two other riders escaped serious injury after being knocked down during the incident.
Cherchi received medical treatment on the trail before being transferred to hospital and suffered head trauma and internal bleeding.
Cherchi rode 38 winners for trainer Marco Botti in the UK before moving to Australia earlier in the year.
