The racing community is in shock at the death of Group 1-winning jockey Dean Holland following a tragic race accident in rural Victoria. Let’s see what happened to Dean Holland in detail.
What happened to Dean Holland?
Dean Holland, the jockey who won the Newmarket Handicap, unfortunately, passed away on Monday in Victoria following an unexpected fall.
The 34-year-old experienced a tumble that witnesses described as “sickening” while riding Tony McEvoy’s gelding Headingley in the opening race at Donald, 280 km northwest of Melbourne.
Holland was knocked to the ground as the three-year-old gelding suddenly slipped to the inside rail and fell as the field turned for home at the top of the straight.
Alana Kelly rode her horse Time to Rumble. As Holland lay on the ground motionless, Time to Rumble and another horse appeared to fall on him with all of their force and weight.
Fortunately, both mounts appear to have escaped harm and fled the scene while Kelly walked back to the scales. But, Holland suffered critical injuries.
He was severely injured and rushed to a hospital in Melbourne, where he died from his injuries.
How did Dean Holland die?
At about 1.30 pm on Monday, Dean Holland, 34, was riding Headingley in the Leading Teams 3YO Maiden Plate (1000 meters) at Donald. As the field approached the final straight, Headingley suddenly dove and tumbled, smashing through a fence.
Unfortunately, Holland passed away at the scene. Matt Hyland, the CEO of the Victorian Jockeys’ Association/VJA, confirmed Holland’s death on Monday afternoon and expressed the organization’s sorrow over the unexpected loss of the popular jockey.
Holland was treated by paramedics but sadly passed away at the scene, according to Victoria Police.
“Work Safe has been notified and will investigate. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”, Victoria Police says.
Police will also prepare a report for the coroner. The remaining races of Monday’s meeting were canceled by the stewards.
Racing Victoria officially announced the death of Holland by releasing the following statement on its Twitter post.
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.
Candice Wyatt also confirmed this sad news and shared the following statement on social media post.
Devastating news from the racing industry.. 34yo jockey Dean Holland has died after a shocking fall in Race 1 at Donald. A second jockey also fell. She, and both horses, are ok. The race meeting was abandoned. Dean has a wife and 4 young children.
His friends and family members were in shock after the sudden demise of Holland broke out.
Who was Dean Holland?
Mr. Holland, who was fourth in the Victorian jockeys’ premiership standings, had ridden 82 wins in Victoria. Surprise Baby’s victory in the 2019 Adelaide Cup was a career highlight.
Holland, who is originally from Adelaide, is Darren Holland’s son, a former jockey. He leaves behind his wife Lucy and four kids, all under the age of five.
He started his career in December 2005 on a dusty track at Ceduna, South Africa, and saw his first victory there in January 2006.
Dean Holland won more than 1100 races. Holland comes from one of the most prestigious racing families in South Australia, where his father Darren rode more than 600 winners in his professional career.
Holland also worked with Hall of Fame trainer David Hayes while serving as an apprentice to South Australian trainer Jon O’Connor.
Mr. Holland had just won the renowned Newmarket Handicap group one race, and he was in the prime of his career. He was brought in after Craig Williams and Jamie Kah, two other jockeys, suffered injuries in the same incident at Flemington earlier in the day.
Prior to Monday, he rode on Saturday in the Group 3 Irwin Stakes at Morphettville, where he finished fourth on Seradess.
He was described as a lovable person and the shining star. He had a beautiful smile and he was loved by eveyone.
Holland’s colleagues’ riders joined him in celebrating since the lightweight jockey was well-liked by everyone in the racing industry. His kind disposition and diligent work ethic made him a favorite of both his fellow jockeys and trainers.
Dean Holland cause of death:
Dean Holland, a jockey, passed away on Monday following a horrible fall at Donald. The event happened during the first race at Donald, which is located in Victoria’s northwest, as the field turned for home.
Holland was involved in a two-horse fall after his mount, three-year-old gelding Headingley, fell at the top of the home straight.
Just after 4 o’clock, Victoria Police announced his death. He is survived by a wife and four children. Tributes flooded social media after the sudden demise news of Holland broke out.
The CEO of Racing Victoria, Andrew Jones paid his tributes to Mr Holland’s family, friends, and colleagues. the statement reads,
“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’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.”, he added.
Tributes pouring in for Dean Holland:
Gil Julin posted,
RIP Top Jockey Dean Holland. Result of a fall in the first race at Donald. A great jockey and a beautiful bloke going by his many interviews. Was the jockey of a horse that Dean n I have a very minor share in.
A sad, sad day for his family, the racing fraternity and race lovers as a whole. I pray the activists zip their lips and don’t hurt the grieving. Rest on Dean.
Ben Asgari tweeted,
Vale Dean Holland. So unbearably sad. There wasn’t a more likeable person on the racetrack. We need to do all we can to help his young family. Love to Dean’s friends and family, thinking of you all.
Damion Maher tweeted,
RiP Dean Holland as a punter I’ve back plenty of your horses. Including your last one today. Tough gig being a jockey thoughts with your family.
Daniel Guthrie posted,
RIP Dean Holland. Absolutely heart breaking news that Dean has passed away after a race fall today.
I had the pleasure of meeting Dean many times and he’s raced and won on many of our horses. Thoughts with his family.
Dani Walker posted,
Oh my god RIP Dean Holland doing what you did so well. Sincerest condolences to his family such a happy fun personality who will be missed by so many in our industry. Rest easy fly high and kick home winners. Such a tragedy taken way too soon
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