Fallen jockey Dean Holland has been remembered as a loved racing figure and a talented rider following his shocking death on Monday.
The 34-year-old was pronounced dead at Donald racetrack, in Victoria, after his mount Headingley was one of two horses to fall in the opening race on the card.
The other jockey, Alana Kelly, and the two horses escaped the incident injury-free.
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Tributes poured in from around horse racing and the wider community for the South Australian who won 1080 races throughout an accomplished career, including two Group 1s.
His latest Group 1, and the biggest win of his career, came only last month when he rode In Secret to victory in the $1.5 million Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
That day Holland was issued a late call-up to ride the James McDonald filly after the horse’s original jockey, Jamie Kah, was knocked out in a bad fall earlier in the day.
Kah and fellow top jockey Craig Williams fell in the same race, with the former suffering head injuries and the latter a concussion and a broken clavicle.
When Holland steered In Secret past the post to a screaming Melbourne crowd he barely celebrated, and afterwards explained why in a touching and humble interview.
“The last thing I wanted to do today was carry on – win, lose, or draw – it’s very unfortunate what happened to Jamie and Willo (Williams), and my thoughts go out to them,” Holland said after winning the biggest race of his career.
Jockey Dean Holland dies after horror race fall at country track
“I was just the lucky one who was able to ride light today and picked up the ride on one of Australia’s best sprinters.
“James had no other options unfortunately. I was the one with the light weight.
“He had faith in me, he talked me through the race beforehand. He showed me a few replays before the race… I rode her accordingly and she was too good.”
That classy interview was highlighted around social media following his death on Monday to showcase the selfless and humble nature of the late jockey.
He leaves behind wife Lucy, and four children all aged under five.
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