Jockey Dean Holland has died after a fall during a race in western Victoria, police have confirmed.
Holland, 34, was in the final sprint to the finish line in the opening race at Donald when his horse veered suddenly and crashed into the inside rail.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said he was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
Another jockey, Alana Kelly, was involved in the fall, but was able to walk back to the jockeys' room, according to Racing.com.
The remainder of the meeting has been abandoned.
Racing steward Ray Livingstone said all riders had agreed to cancel the meeting.
"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," Mr 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."
Tributes flow for 'gifted rider'
Tributes have been flowing for the young jockey who has been remembered as a much-loved husband, father and member of the riding community.
Holland began racing in South Australia in 2005 before riding his first winner at Ceduna in 2006. He went on to ride more than 1,075 career winners across Australia.
Racing Victoria Chief Executive Andrew Jones described Holland as a talented rider.
"Dean was a gifted lightweight rider who won over 1000 races and was highly respected by his peers," he said.
"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."
Victoria Racing Club Chairman Neil Wilson said Holland's passing will be deeply felt across the wider racing industry.
"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," he said in a statement.
"Our hearts and thoughts go out to Dean's family, friends and fellow jockeys."
Racegoers shocked by sudden fall
Reporter with local news outlet The Buloke Times, Quill McQuilty, attended the meet and described the mood after the fall as "sombre and tense".
"It was quite tense track side, a few worried faces," she said.
"A few comments could be heard in the crowd 'not another fall'."
Ms McQuilty said the fall happened about 200 metres from the finish line during the first race which began at 1:30pm.
The race was originally meant to be held in Mildura but was moved to Donald due to flood damage.
Holland recently won the prestigious Newmarket Handicap group one race.
Racing Victoria said both horses involved in the fall, Headingley and Time To Rumble, were unharmed.
WorkSafe will investigate the circumstances of the accident and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
