A young female jockey who took a tumble in a horse race has died after almost two weeks in hospital.

Eszter Jeles, who once urged her followers not to be sad if she died while riding, passed away in hospital at the age of just 21 in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Saturday, 18th September.

The Hungarian was admitted after she took a fall at the Fegentri Amateur Women’s Riders World Championship Race at the Veliefendi Race Course in Istanbul on Sunday, 5th September.

The incident took place when French rider Tracy Menuet and her horse, Out Of The Dark, fell during the last 1,000 metres of the race, causing Eszter and her horse, Toms, who were just behind, to be brought down.

Both women were taken to hospital, and the French rider was able to be discharged after receiving treatment.

Eszter suffered head injuries in the fall and she underwent surgery a day after her admission. A 13-day-long battle for her life followed. However, despite the doctors’ best efforts, she eventually succumbed to her injuries.

The Jockey Club of Turkey wrote on social media: “We wish God’s mercy on the Hungarian rider Eszter Jeles, who lost her life, and we express our condolences and patience to her family, relatives and fans.”

The Hungarian Jockey Club also paid tribute to the young sportswoman, writing: “Eszti was a hero, she gave her life for horse racing. We will forever lock her memory in our hearts.”

Eszter was ranked fourth in the 2021 Lady Rider rankings.

Her mother, Andrea, revealed she had once written in a social media post: “If I die one day because of my passion for speed, don’t be sad because I will be laughing at that time.”