WATCH VIDEO REPORT BELOW ARTICLE
The racing industry in Victoria and across Australia has been left in shock and sadness after popular rider Dean Holland died from injuries sustained in a fall during the opening race on the card at Donald Racecourse April 24.
Holland, 34, was aboard 3-year-old gelding Headingley when the horse veered left in the home straight of the 1,000-meter maiden contest, crashing into the rail and causing Holland to be dislodged from the saddle.
Holland was treated by paramedics on the course, but was pronounced dead at the scene.
A joint statement released by Racing Victoria and the Victorian Jockeys' Association at 4.52 p.m. confirmed the death of the two-time group 1-winning rider, who is survived by his wife, Lucy, and four children.
"It is with tremendous sadness that Racing Victoria and the Victorian Jockeys Association confirm the passing of 34-year-old jockey Dean Holland as a result of injuries sustained in a fall at Donald Racecourse today," the statement read.
The incident also resulted in Alana Kelly being brought down from her mount, Time To Rumble, with the rider walking away from the event without serious harm.
"Holland was one of two riders dislodged from their horse in the opening race. He was immediately attended to by on-course paramedics, however was unable to be saved due to the nature of his injuries. Jockey Alana Kelly, who was the other rider to fall in the incident, was cleared of any serious injuries. Both horses, Headingley and Time To Rumble, were unharmed."
Racing at the west Victoria track was subsequently abandoned, while Racing Victoria called off the race days at Flemington and Moe racecourses out of respect to Holland and his family.
Holland, who made his riding debut in December 2005, rode 1,118 winners during his career, headlined by his two group 1 successes in the 2010 Australasian Oaks (G1) aboard Small Minds —on whom he also won his first stakes race 12 days prior in the Adelaide Guineas—and most recently when partnering champion filly In Secret to win the Newmarket Handicap (G1) last month.
