Latest news with #NgakauHalley
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Talented jockey with 46 wins dies aged just 18 after devastating dirt bike crash
A 'naturally gifted' young jockey has passed away from injuries sustained in a crash involving the dirt bike he was riding and a car. Ngakau Halley, aged 18, was in his third year as an apprentice in New Zealand and had claimed 18 race victories this season, bringing his career total to 46. The collision occurred at an intersection in Whitoria, where Halley's dirt bike was involved in a serious accident with another vehicle, according to Waikato Police. "Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died," their statement read. "Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries. The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing." Authorities later confirmed Halley as the deceased. "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 told LoveRacingNZ. "He was very polite and he was a very talented boy. 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." Halley began riding horses at a young age but originally aspired to play professional rugby league. He played as hooker for his local team and represented his district. His path shifted when he started doing trackwork, eventually beginning an apprenticeship under trainer Debbie Sweeney. "He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want," Harris added. "It's tragic, he was a lovely boy." Among numerous tributes, leading Australia-based jockey Blake Shinn commented: "Such a devastating tragedy. "Sending strength and sympathy to the family, friends and all in the NZ Racing community." A fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
‘Naturally gifted' jockey, 18, tragically dies after dirt bike accident
Ngakau Halley sustained critical injuries when he was involved in a collision between a dirt bike and car at an intersection in Hamilton, New Zealand A 'naturally gifted' young jockey has died of his injuries after he was involved in a collision between the dirt bike he was riding and a car. Ngakau Halley, 18, was in the third season of his apprenticeship in New Zealand and had ridden 18 winners this term to take his total to 46. He was riding a dirt bike which was involved in a serious two-vehicle crash at an intersection in Whitoria, according to Waikato Police. 'Sadly, the rider of the dirtbike received critical injuries and was transported to hospital where they later died,' a statement said. 'Two young people in the car were transported to hospital with moderate injuries. The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.' Halley was later named as the victim in the accident. '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 told LoveRacingNZ. 'He was very polite and he was a very talented boy. 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.' Halley learned to ride from a young age but had ambitions to become a professional rugby league player, having played hooker for his local club and district. He later changed tack after riding track work and then took out his apprenticeship with trainer Debbie Sweeney 'He was a natural talent, and that is just what you want,' Harris said. 'It's tragic, he was a lovely boy.' Among many tributes, top Australia-based jockey Blake Shinn said: 'Such a devastating tragedy. Sending strength and sympathy to the family, friends and all in the NZ Racing community.' A fund-raising page has been set up for donations towards funeral costs.
