Rising star Jockey killed in car crash as public desperately tried to | Other | Sport

Bronte Simpson, 24, died in a car crash on Monday night, the New South Wales (NSW) Police have confirmed. Authorities said Simpson was driving her SUV when it veered off the highway and collided with a tree. The tragic accident is reported to have occurred on the Castlereagh Highway, around 80km outside Dubbo.

A member of the public who spotted the crashed vehicle, alerted emergency services. Officials confirmed that Simpson died at the scene. “A woman died when her SUV left the highway and hit a tree about 80km north‑west of Dubbo overnight,” an official said. “Emergency services were called to the Castlereagh Highway after a passing motorist saw the crashed vehicle. Passers‑by assisted the driver; however, the woman, believed to be in her 20s, died at the scene.”

NSW Jockeys’ Association boss Tony Crisafi said the Australian racing community was devastated by news of Simpson’s tragic death.”We’ve lost a member of our family in this devastating and tragic event,” Crifasi said. “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.”

Simpson was regarded as a rising star in the world of horse racing and before her death, she had ridden 14 winners – seven of them for her master, Jane Clement, with whom she shared a close bond. She also claimed her maiden victory in her first start at Muswellbrook earlier this year.

According to Racenet, in 2023, she sustained serious facial injuries after being kicked by a horse while working at a breaking‑in facility on the Central Coast. “There was no way I was going to quit,” Simpson said at the time. “I love the industry and always wanted to become a jockey.” 

Tributes have poured in on social media, with one fan writing: “Horrible news. You remember some things more than others, but her interview was one I’ll never forget. First ride, first winner.” Another added: “Saddened to hear this.”