A friend and racing colleague of fallen Victorian jockey Dean Holland has described him as a “quintessential good bloke” who always thought of others before himself.
Holland’s family and the racing industry were struggling to come to terms with the 34-year-old’s death after a horror fall on Monday at Donald, in the state’s north-west. Holland’s horse, Headingley, appeared to duck left, clip heels and crash through the running rail.
Dean Holland after the biggest moment of his career, winning the 2023 Newmarket Handicap.Credit: Getty Images
Dean Pettit, a Racing South Australia jockey coach who worked with Holland, said the way he had handled the biggest achievement of his career, riding the Newmarket Handicap winner In Secret only six weeks ago, illustrated his care for others, and how highly he was regarded within the racing industry.
At that point Holland had only won one group 1 race in his career, but trainer James Cummings had no hesitation in offering him the prized ride aboard In Secret after champion jockey Jamie Kah, who was meant to ride the horse, was involved in a fall earlier that day at Flemington.
Pettit said it was no fluke Holland was Godolphin’s preferred replacement.
“He was friends with everyone, and without looking, I reckon there wouldn’t be many trainers in the Victorian and South Australian landscape that he didn’t ride for,” Pettit said.
“When you can ride for all the trainers in the calendar, it means, one, you’re a good rider, and two, you’ve got something about you that sells well and presents well.
“We’re all shattered. We’ve dealt with this before, these scenarios, but it’s never easy.”
“He was that quintessential good bloke,” Pettit added.
“Cheeky smile, but he knew when it was game on and when to be professional.”
Holland, who is survived by his partner Lucy and their four children, and his parents Darren and Belinda, had chosen not to gloat after his Newmarket Handicap win.
“First of all, what I didn’t want to do was carry on, win, lose or draw with what happened with Jamie and ‘Willo’ [jockey Craig Williams],” Holland said post-race.
“My thoughts go out to them.
“I’m just the lucky one that was able to ride light today and picked up the ride on one of Australia’s best sprinters.”
He was a popular jockey, ever playful but also modest.
“James [Cummings] had no other options, unfortunately,” he quipped.
“I was the one with the lightweight. He had faith in me.”
Dean Holland was a very popular jockey among the riding ranks.Credit: Racing Photos
SA jockeys take leave from rides
While Racing Victoria called off Tuesday’s Anzac Day meetings at Flemington and Moe, South Australia will press ahead with its scheduled meeting at Gawler.
The racing industry is reeling after the death of Dean Holland.Credit: Getty Images
But Pettit said jockeys have been given the option to bypass the meeting if they’re not feeling up to it.
“We’ve given everyone the preference, if they don’t feel, well, not to ride.
“There are a couple that have taken that up. Certainly, down south, Jacob Opperman – the Oppermans are very close to the Hollands – he’s not riding today.
“I’m sure all today will reflect in the room at Gawler. We’ve got Anzac Day to remember and obviously now Dean.
“I’m sure in Melbourne, they’ll get together. I dare say his real close mates – he lived with and was rock solid with Jordan Childs – I’m sure they’ll rally together. It won’t be easy for them, this one. They’ll do it tough, but they’re pretty tight.”
Owner kicks in $100,000 to start fundrasier
Prominent owner and former jockey Tony Ottobre has launched a GoFundMe page for Holland’s family, injecting $100,000 to launch the fundraiser.
Ottobre knows more than most what it’s like to lose a loved one, after his daughter Jennifer passed away with brain cancer following a three-year battle.
Jennifer’s passing inspired Ottobre to name every horse he races after her, horses like Jennifer Lynn and Princess Jenni.
In 14 hours, the fundraiser has raised an additional $175,000, closing the gap on a target of $500,000.
“On behalf of the Jenni horses we would like to raise funds for Lucy and her 4 children,” Ottobre wrote in the GoFundMe.
“Dean Holland was an exceptional young man and taken far too soon, all monies will go to Lucy to help raise the children.”
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