The family of Dean Holland have spoken of their overwhelming grief at the death of the Group 1-winning jockey in a racing fall.
Holland, 34, died on Monday when the horse he was riding ducked inside and fell as the field entered the straight during a maiden race at Donald in Victoria, bringing down another runner.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Victoria Police, and the rest of the meeting was abandoned.
A statement released by Racing Victoria from Holland’s wife Lucy Clampin and parents Belinda and Darren Holland on behalf of themselves and the wider Holland family, said: “Grief is completely overwhelming us after losing our beloved Dean yesterday at Donald races.
“We are aware of thousands who are sharing our pain as we come to the reality we have lost a once-in-a-lifetime person, a much loved partner, an amazing father of four beautiful young children in Harley, Luca, Frankie and Lily, as well as a special brother and a wonderful son.
“The outpouring of love for Dean and the care and support for us is helping us deal with our loss.
“We are thinking of Dean’s colleagues in the jockeys room as well as all in our industry that he loved so much.
“Finally, as a family, we ask that we be given the privacy we need at this time as we begin to come to terms with our loss.”
Holland was enjoying his most successful campaign in the saddle and last month rode Godophin’s In Secret to win the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
His mentor, ex-jockey James Winks, revealed he had recently drafted an application to join the jockey ranks in Hong Kong.
“11.57 am this morning was to be our last chat,” he wrote on Instagram. “We discussed your resume, which we were in the process of sending to the Hong Kong Jockey Club; he was so excited about the future. I am absolutely shattered and still in shock.
A fundraising campaign to help Holland’s family , set up by owner Tony Ottobre, has already surpassed its target of A$500,000.
