Jockeys have honoured the life of Mendooran-based apprentice jockey Bronte Simpson who lost in her life in a car accident near the stables she worked at.

A guard of honour was formed before colleagues rode in a race named in her honour - The Bronte Simpson Memorial Midway - at Wyong Saturday 10 January.

Wyong-based Damien Lane, who she had ridden trials for, tasted victory in the race as his gelding Oakfield Saturn ($4.20) held off the field to win narrowly.

Lane said post-event it was emotional.

“Bronte used to ride work for us of a morning before she began at trainer Sara Ryan’s. It’s tragic,” Lane said.

"She was a lovely young girl and a hard worker.

“She went to the bush to further her career.

"We always assumed she would be back here after riding 80 winners in the bush or something.

“To lose a life at the age is terrible and condolences to the family," he said.

Bronte Simpson with trainer Sara Ryan. [IMAGE: Racing NSW]

Bronte loved the sport and told Racing NSW in July riding on the racing circuit was her ambition.

“I was on a horse before I could walk,” she has said. “We had five acres outside Ballarat and my older sister had a pony.

“I did eventing and got one of my better horses to the Melbourne International.

“There was no family background in racing, but I was attracted to it.

“At one stage I was going to be apprenticed to Ballarat trainer Archie Alexander, but my partner and myself decided to head north to warmer weather and spent some time in Queensland before coming back to New South Wales.”

Bronte’s life will be celebrated this Monday 12 January 2026 commencing at 1pm at Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre, Lords Lane, Smythesdale Victoria (20 minutes out of Ballarat).

Following is a link for the live stream of the memorial service.

The recording will be up within 2 hours of the service ending and can be accessed by the same link.