Apprentice Jockey Dies in Single-Vehicle Crash – Castlereagh Highway (near Dubbo), NSW – 22 December 2025

What happened

Incident Overview

An apprentice jockey has died following a single-vehicle crash on the Castlereagh Highway, around 80 kilometres outside Dubbo, on Monday night, 22 December. NSW Police said passers-by discovered the crashed SUV and called emergency services. Despite assistance from Good Samaritans, the driver died at the scene. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

• Crash Date: Monday, 22 December 2025 (night)
• Location: Castlereagh Highway, approximately 80km outside Dubbo, NSW

• SUV — single-vehicle crash

• Fatalities:
  • Female driver (aged in her 20s) — died at the scene.

The death has deeply affected the racing community, with tributes flowing from jockeys, trainers and clubs across New South Wales and Victoria, describing the loss as devastating and tragic.

Emergency Response

• Good Samaritans located the crashed vehicle and called Triple Zero (000).
• Emergency services attended the scene, but the driver could not be saved.

“Passers-by assisted the driver. However, the woman — believed to be aged in her 20s — died at the scene.” — NSW Police

Investigation

Police from the Orana Mid Western Police District are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

• A report will be prepared for the information of the coroner.

Appeal for Information

Anyone with information relevant to the crash is urged to contact police.

• Crime Stoppers NSW: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.