Jockey Dean Holland Dies After Falling During Race In Australia

Dean Holland, an Australian horse racing jockey, died from his injuries after falling during a Monday race in the Australian state of Victoria, according to Racing Victoria.

The horse racing authority of the state said that Holland, 34, was one of two jockeys who fell from their horses during the opening race at Donald Racecourse.

Holland was immediately attended to by paramedics, but tragically died at the scene. Alana Kelly, the other jockey, suffered no serious injury.

“It was a tragic accident at Donald today and we are all deeply shocked and saddened that Dean has passed away,” said Racing Victoria chief executive Andrew Jones in an official statement. “Dean was a gifted lightweight rider who … was highly respected by his peers.”

“Dean’s passing is heartbreaking for all within Victorian racing and the sport nationally,” Jones added.

Fly high Dean Holland.

A tragic loss, gone too soon.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and the entire racing community. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/hF4OW6UA1F

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 24, 2023

In March, Holland won a Group 1 race riding a horse named In Secret in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Holland has 1,080 career wins, according to Racing.com, and began his racing career in 2005, winning his first race in January 2006 at Ceduna in the state of South Australia (RELATED: REPORT: Green Bay Packers And New York Jets Could Reach Aaron Rodgers Deal In The Coming Days)

Holland was closing in on the finish when his horse, Headingley, veered into the inside rail to force the fatal fall.