Jockey Dean Holland, 34, dies following race fall at Donald

Tom Naghten

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Jockey Dean Holland, 34, dies following race fall at Donald image

Jockey Dean Holland has died after a fall in race one at Donald in western Victoria on Monday.

The 34-year-old fell after his mount Headingley veered towards the rail at the top of the home straight in the 1,000m three-year-old maiden plate.

Jockey Dean Holland tragically dies

Holland was airlifted to hospital in Melbourne, while fellow jockey, Alana Kelly, who was also caught up in the trouble, was able to walk back to the jockeys' room.

Police later confirmed the tragic news of Holland's passing.

"Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a jockey in Donald on 24 April," a statement read.

"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." 

The remainder of the meeting was abandoned following the incident.

Steward Ray Livingstone explained to decision in the wake of the fall.

"Dean Holland is undergoing treatment as we speak and it was the decision of the stewards to abandon the meeting bearing in mind the nature of the circumstances," Livingstone told Racing.com.

"So we just felt it not prudent to push on with the meeting, hence the decision was made by us to abandon which I must say was met by unanimous agreement by all the riders."

Both Headingley and Kelly's ride, Time To Rumble, were okay following the fall.

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

Victoria Racing Club statement on Dean Holland

"On behalf of the Victoria Racing Club, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of
jockey Dean Holland," the statement noted. 

"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."

The VRC made special mention of Holland's ride to win the 2023 Newmarket Handicap aboard In Secret, which was the second Group 1 victory of his career. 

Race meetings cancelled following Holland's death 

"As advised by Racing Victoria, both race meetings scheduled for Victoria tomorrow, which
includes Flemington, will not proceed out of respect to Dean and the Holland family," the statement from the VRC stated. 

"A further update on the re-programming on ANZAC Day Race Day at Flemington will be
advised in due course." 

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.