Apprentice jockey Juan Saez, considered to be a rising star, has died from head injuries sustained in a fall at an Indiana racetrack.

Saez died in hospital surrounded by fellow riders and close friends after the accident at the Indiana Grand track at Shelbyville.

His mount clipped heels and fell with a horse behind him unable to avoid the incident.

Saez began his career in June at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. He won the riding title at Ellis Park in Kentucky during the summer, with 51 wins from 194 starts.

Saez split his time between riding at the Kentucky racetracks and Indiana Grand, where he was the leading apprentice with 21 wins.

Julio Espinoza, his agent and a former rider himself, had closely supervised the young Saez. The teenager was working to learn English so he could better communicate at the racetrack. Saez was known for his engaging smile.