Dean Holland: Jockeys across Australia pay tribute following tragic death

Jockeys across Australia have paid their respects to Dean Holland, after his tragic death sent shockwaves through the racing world.

The 34-year-old was riding Tony McEvoy gelding Headingley in the first race at Donald last week, 280km north-west of Melbourne, when he was involved in a fall described by onlookers as ‘sickening’.

Holland was thrown to the turf when the three-year-old gelding moved sharply to the inside rail before falling as the field turned for home at the top of the straight.

He was later pronounced dead, leaving behind his wife Lucy and their four young children: Harley, Luca, Frankie and Lily. 

On Saturday, jockeys held a minute’s silence before racing started and many wore a black armband out of respect for Holland.

Daniel Stackhouse, who won the first race at Sandown on Saturday, was emotional when discussing Holland’s passing.

Jockeys across Australia paid an emotional tribute to Dean Holland on Saturday

The 34-year-old tragically died while racing in Melbourne last week

Racecourses across Australia remembered Holland with a minute’s silence

‘Everyone is very down in the dumps,’ Stackhouse told Channel Seven. ‘It’s very shocking news. It’s just so tragic. Dean was part of the family.

‘We’re a big family in the jockey room. Seeing him everyday, I’m going to miss his smile, such a cheeky smile.

‘He was just a great bloke and outside racing he was fantastic to have a drink with or ask for any advice.

‘He’s going to be dearly missed and condolences to his his beautiful wife Lucy, his four children, and also Dean’s mum and dad.’

Channel 7 commentator Bruce McAvaney also paid tribute to Holland.

‘It was a shocking day on Monday and it’s been a terrible week,’ McAvaney said today.

‘The one thing I think that gives us hope is the rally around Dean and his family.

‘And it’s not just here in Australia … but it’s all around the world.

His family were in attendance on Saturday. He leaves behind his wife and four children

‘It’s been so difficult.

‘And he leaves the nightmare; four young children, a young wife and, of course, a mum and dad that are steeped in racing.

‘He will be remembered today all around the country with that minute’s silence.

‘Rest in peace, Deano.’

A GoFundMe page following Holland’s death has amassed over $1,400,000 in donations.