Victorian jockey Dean Holland has passed away after suffering critical injuries from a race fall during a country meet at Donald on Monday.
Holland’s horse was one of two that fell during the first race, and he was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital.
Sadly, Holland died shortly after arriving at the hospital, as confirmed by Victoria Police just after 4 pm.
In a statement, the police said, “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 has been notified and will investigate. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”
Holland was an accomplished jockey who had won the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and earned over $32 million in prize money during his career.
During the race, Holland’s mount, Headingley, fell after shifting inwards, causing Time To Rumble to also fall.
Although Alana Kelly, the jockey of the other horse, was unharmed, stewards made the decision to abandon the entire rest of the meeting as a helicopter was called to transport Holland to Melbourne.
It is a tragic loss for the racing community, and our thoughts are with Holland’s family and friends during this difficult time.