Jockey Stefano Cherchi dies aged 23 two weeks after awful fall left him with head injury and internal bleeding

JOCKEY Stefano Cherchi has tragically died aged 23 – two weeks after a terrible fall left with a head injury and internal bleeding.

The Sardinian rider, best known in Britain for recording winners under trainer Marco Botti, had been racing in Australia.

He fell at a meeting in Canberra a fortnight ago and was treated for an hour on track before being moved to hospital.

Legendary rider Kieran Fallon’s daughter Brittany had travelled to Australia to be at her boyfriend’s bedside.

A post from NSW Jockeys confirmed today: “With deep sadness, the Cherchi family have announced their beloved son Stefano passed away peacefully today.

“The family are very grateful for the love, prayers & messages sent by the racing community across the world.”

Just last week the entire racing world, including Brittany’s brother and top jockey Cieren, had asked everyone to pray for good news.

But despite everyone’s best efforts Cherchi, who had over 100 winners in Britain, sadly succumbed to his injuries.

His fall was labelled a ‘freak accident’ by Fallon.

Cherchi was thrown from the saddle when his horse Hasime came down in a one-mile race in the Australian capital.

The shocking incident happened at around halfway when Cherchi’s mount came down and brought down two other runners.

Both the other jockeys involved were able to walk away with only minor bumps and bruises, while the three horses caught up in the spill were also unscathed.

More to follow.