Australian jockey Dean Holland dies after fall at Donald racecourse

The Australian racing community was on Monday rocked by the death of Group 1-winning jockey Dean Holland following a fall at Donald racecourse. He was 34.

Holland was riding Headingley in a maiden contest when the horse veered left in the home straight and crashed into the inside rail. Following the fall, he was treated by paramedics on the course but was pronounced dead at the scene.

A joint statement released by Racing Victoria (RV) and the Victorian Jockeys Association (VJA) confirmed the tragic news.

“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.

“Holland was one of two riders dislodged from their horse in the opening race. He was immediately attended to by on-course paramedics, however, he 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.”

In a statement, Victoria Police said: "Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a jockey in Donald on April 24. The male was riding in a race at a track on Racecourse Road when he fell around 1.30pm. He was worked on by paramedics but sadly died at the scene. Work Safe have been notified and will investigate. The death is not being treated as suspicious."

Racing at the west Victoria track was subsequently abandoned, while RV has called off the meetings at Flemington and Moe scheduled for Tuesday out of respect to Holland and his family. 

Holland started out in 2005 and rode more than 1,000 winners, scoring at the highest level twice with Small Minds in the 2010 Australasian Oaks and champion filly In Secret in last month's Newmarket Handicap.

He is survived by his wife, Lucy, and four children.  

RV chief executive Andrew Jones said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Dean’s partner Lucy, his children, his family, friends and colleagues on the incredibly sad news of his passing.

“It was a tragic accident at Donald today and we are all deeply shocked and saddened that Dean has passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the fall.

“Dean was a gifted lightweight rider who won over 1,000 races and was highly respected by his peers. He showcased his immense talent on the biggest stage last month when winning the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

“Dean’s passing is heartbreaking for all within Victorian racing and the sport nationally. It is a sobering reminder of the immense bravery of our riders.”

Dean Holland: a popular figure in Australian racing

VJA chief executive Matt Hyland said: “The VJA and our members are incredibly saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend Dean Holland and extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Lucy, his four children and his wider family.

“Dean was a much-loved member of the riding group here in Victoria and when he travelled interstate. His fellow riders will all be shattered at the shock news of his passing as we at the VJA are.

“Together with Racing Victoria, the Jockey Assistance Programme will be wrapping its arms around the riding group and will be working to support Lucy and the Holland family both now and importantly into the future.”

Many tributes were paid to Holland, the son of former jockey Darren Holland, from across the industry.

Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the trainers of Headingley, wrote on Twitter: “The whole McEvoy Mitchell Racing team are sending our love and thoughts to Dean's family, Lucy, their four kids, Darren and [mother] Belinda.

“Dean was a huge part of the McEvoy Mitchell Racing team and always brought a smile to everyone’s face at work. Rest easy, Deano.”

Victoria trainer Peter Moody tweeted his condolences to Holland's family: "Vale Dean Holland. Thoughts and prayers to Lucy and his beautiful young family. Way too soon. RIP young man."

Leading jockey Kerrin McEvoy also tweeted: "So very sad, RIP Dean, thoughts go out to his wife Lucy and children and to his mum and dad, Belinda and Darren."

Members of the racing industry are encouraged by Racing Victoria to utilise the free, confidential counselling service STABLELINE on 1300 530 122 if they are in need of support at this tragic time.