The New Zealand racing industry is in mourning following the passing of apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey.
The 18-year-old hoop was involved in a vehicle accident in Hamilton on Wednesday between a dirt bike and car, with Hailey sustaining critical injuries, and he later passed away at Hamilton Hospital.
“It’s tragic, words just can’t describe it. I was talking with him on Monday and then this happens,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Northern Riding Master Noel Harris said.
Apprenticed to Te Awamutu trainer Debbie Sweeney, Hailey kicked off his riding career two years ago and recorded his first win aboard the Sweeney-trained Chattahoochee at Cambridge in June 2023.
He went on to record a further six victories that season. He continued to impress in the saddle, riding home 39 winners in the last two seasons, and Harris said he was well-liked amongst the racing community.
“He was very polite and he was a very talented boy,” Harris said. “You knew straight away when you saw him on a horse that he was a natural. From where he was brought up, they just jump on a horse and you are part of it.”
Hailey was initially raised on the East Coast of the North Island where he began riding bareback from a young age and he competed in horse sports before moving to Hamilton when he was eight-years-old.
Rugby League became Hailey’s new passion, and he held aspirations of playing in the NRL. He played hooker for his local club, the Hamilton City Tigers, as well as Waikato Maori and Waikato District.
While his small stature kept him from progressing in league, it helped him follow a new path when he joined his uncle on a trip to Pokeno where tried his hand at riding track work for the first time.
He fell in love with riding once more and began riding regular track work for trainer Shelley Wright before commencing his apprenticeship with Sweeney.
Hailey impressed Harris from day one and he said he will be a massive loss to New Zealand thoroughbred racing.
“He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want,” Harris said. “It’s tragic, he was a lovely boy.”
A givealittle page has been created to assist Hailey’s family with funeral costs: LINK