Rising Australian jockey Bronte Simpson has been killed in a single-vehicle accident aged just 24, sending shockwaves through the racing industry.

NSW Police confirmed that the apprentice hoop was killed on Monday night.

‘A woman died when her SUV left the highway and hit a tree about 80km north-west of Dubbo overnight,’ the statement read.

‘Emergency services were called to the Castlereagh Highway at Mendooran, about 9.15pm (Monday 22 December 2025), after a passing motorist saw the crashed vehicle.

‘Passers-by assisted the driver; however, the woman – believed to be aged in her 20s – died at the scene.’

NSW Jockeys’ Association boss Tony Crisafi said the racing community was devastated to learn of the tragedy.

Rising Australian jockey apprentice Bronte Simpson (left) was killed in a single-vehicle accident

The racing industry has been left shattered by the shock death of the popular young jockey (pictured right)

‘We’ve lost a member of our family in this devastating and tragic event,’ Crisafi 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.’

Tributes have begun to flow on social media for the popular and well-loved apprentice jockey.

‘Oh my gosh I cannot believe it, so tragic, condolences to the Simpson family,’ one follower posted.

‘Well loved in the community, living her dream and on her way to the top: forever missed,’ another added.

‘Whilst it is such a dangerous sport and whether trackwork or race day, many forget about the hours upon hours they are on the road driving from meet to meet,’ another posted.

Simpson had won 14 races and was on her way to a big career in racing prior to the shocking accident

Tributes are flowing in for Simpson, who was well known and loved across the racing industry

‘The fatigue involved. Not many travel the hours on the road that jockeys travel.

‘RIP Bronte, may your spirit continue to live on and thoughts & prayers to all who knew her. Rest in heavenly peace young lady.’

Born and raised in Ballarat, Simpson grew up around horses and began her riding career in May this year, winning on Stylebender at Muswellbrook on her very first race ride.

She added more wins soon after, cutting her apprentice claim from 4kg to 3kg, and had ridden 14 winners before her death.

Despite that early success, her riding career nearly did not happen at all.

In December 2023, Simpson suffered serious facial injuries, including a broken jaw, after being kicked by a horse at a Central Coast breaking facility, but the long recovery did not weaken her determination.

‘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.’