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Young jockey Ngakau Hailey dies in dirtbike crash
Trackside • July 10th, 2025 11:39 am
Ngakau Hailey | Photo Credit: Race Images
Police have confirmed a person died in an accident involving a dirt bike and a car at an intersection in Hamilton on Wednesday.
NZ Thoroughbred Racing COO Darin Balcombe confirmed to the NZ Herald that 18-year-old Ngakau Hailey was the person who had died.
Hailey's death has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes amongst the racing community.
The 18 year old apprentice jockey had ridden 18 winners this season - including two in one meeting for leading trainers, Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott plus Stephen Marsh.
Hailey, was born and initially raised on the East Coast and has previously expressed a love for horses in interviews.
A Givealittle page has been set up by a close friend of Hailey's to support his family through the tragedy and help pay for funeral costs.
“A naturally gifted young man with a bright future taken away from us so soon,” the page says.
