‘Absolutely gutted’: Victorian jockey Dean Holland dies after horror fall at country race meet

The family of group 1-winning Victorian jockey Dean Holland was in mourning on Monday after the father of four died in a horror fall during a country race meeting in the state’s north-west.

Police confirmed Holland was competing in the first race at Donald racecourse when he fell from his horse, Headingley. The three-year-old gelding trained by Tony McEvoy was having his second start when he appeared to suddenly veer and crash through the running rail.

Paramedics worked on the 34-year-old but he died at the scene, leaving his family devastated and the racing community in shock.

Holland was remembered as a “gifted horseman” and “a principled young man”, who is survived by his partner, Lucy and their four children, and his parents, Belinda and Darren. Only a month ago he enjoyed a career highlight when he rode the James Cummings Godolphin-trained In Secret to victory in the group one Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.

He earned that ride, on March 11, after leading jockeys Jamie Kah and Craig Williams were involved in a fall, and a replacement jockey was needed for Kah’s ride In Secret.

Race stewards in Donald abandoned the meeting after Holland’s fall.

Jockey Dean Holland riding Carolina Sunrise at a meeting at Ballarat in March. Credit: Getty

Jockey Alana Kelly’s mount Time to Rumble was also brought down in the fall, but she escaped uninjured. The horses were not badly hurt.

WorkSafe has been notified and will investigate the incident. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Racing Victoria and the Donald Racing Club will assist with WorkSafe’s investigation.

At the Bendigo races on June 30, Holland was full of joy as he announced the birth of his daughter earlier that morning in an interview with Racing.com.

Dean Holland with partner Lucy and two of their four children.Credit: Facebook

“We had a baby – it’s the fourth in four years, so [Lucy has] done a big job,” he said. “We’ve got a little girl now. We’ve got three boys and a girl now, so family complete.

“My missus has done a great job, and she said to me, ‘Go to the races today’, ’cause if you hang around the hospital I’m going to do her head in anyway – so may as well be earning money.

“Mum and bubs are happy, and I’m back at work ready to make some money and buy some nappies,” a jovial Holland said in the interview.

Tuesday’s races at Flemington have been cancelled out of respect for Holland and his family.

Veteran sports commentator Bruce McAvaney said he and Seven’s racing team were “shocked and saddened at the loss of a young man in the prime of his career”.

“We send our sincere condolences to Dean’s wife, Lucy, their young family, and his father Darren and mother Belinda who remain strongly involved in South Australian racing.

“Dean was a young man who would do anything for anybody, with a smile. He’s much admired and respected by everyone in the sport, and today we all grieve over such a tragic loss.”

Racing South Australia Jockey coach and mentor Dean Pettit saw the crash and tweeted: “Hope Deano is okay...”

‘He’s much admired and respected by everyone in the sport, and today we all grieve over such a tragic loss.’

Bruce McAvaney, sports broadcasting legend

He later posted a photo of Holland and said: “Right now our thoughts and prayers and support are with his family … Belinda and Darren and the racing community … we will come together and support.”

Melbourne jockey Liam Riordan reposted that photo with the caption: “Love you brother”.

Williams, one of the jockeys involved in the March 11 crash, also took to social media to share his condolences: “He was a respected jockey and a loving father. May he rest in peace.”

Racing Victoria said it was working with the Victorian Jockeys Association to provide counselling and support for Holland’s family and racing employees.

“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,” Racing Victoria boss Andrew Jones said.

“It was a tragic accident at Donald today, and we are all are 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 1000 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 celebrates a win at Flemington this year.Credit: Getty Images

Jockeys Association chief Matt Hyland also extended his condolences to Holland’s family.

“Together with Racing Victoria, the Jockey Assistance Program 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.”

The boss of Thoroughbred horseracing stable Godolphin, Vin Cox, said he was shocked.

“It’s quite hard to put into words just how devastated we are hearing about this tragedy. He was a gifted horseman, but most importantly, a principled young man of the highest quality,” he said.

“We are absolutely gutted at Godolphin to hear this news and will do everything we can, with the racing community, to support Lucy and his beautiful young family.”

Victoria Racing Club chief Neil Wilson said the organisation was “deeply saddened”.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to Dean’s family, friends and fellow jockeys. Dean’s passing will be felt deeply by the wider racing industry,” he said.

”Dean was a familiar face in the winner’s circle at Flemington, and we will forever remember his brilliant ride to win the 2023 Newmarket Handicap aboard In Secret.”

The tragedy follows a spate of recent race falls with three incidents in successive weeks during March at metropolitan meetings involving senior jockeys Kah, Williams, Ethan Brown, Mark Zahra and Teo Nugent.

The statement released by Racing Victoria encouraged members of the racing industry to use the free and confidential counselling service Stableline on 1300 530 122.

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