Mourners have gathered at Victoria’s most prestigious racecourse to honor the life and memory of Dean Holland who died after being thrown from his horse.
The jockey, 34, died of injuries en route to hospital on April 24, after being thrown from his horse during the final sprint at a race in Donald, tripping up another horse and jockey Alana Kelly.
Ms Kelly was able to walk away from the crash, and neither horse was injured.
Fallen jockey Dean Holland after booting home a winner at Ararat days before his death in a fall at Donald on Monday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images.
Flemington Racecourse is hosting the funeral service for Mr Holland on Monday afternoon, two weeks to the day since the ill-fated Leading Teams 3YO Maiden Plate (1000m).
Today the racing industry will gather at @FlemingtonVRC to celebrate the life of jockey Dean Holland.
For those unable to attend, please note that @Racing will broadcast the funeral service live from 2pm & @RSN927 will simulcast it on Xtra 2 via the RSN app & website. pic.twitter.com/5MPLLF1Bah
— Racing Victoria (@RacingVictoria) May 8, 2023
About 1000 people are expected to attend and pay tribute.
Racing hasn’t been scheduled anywhere in Victoria on Monday to allow people to attend the service, or watch the broadcast.
Meanwhile, the online fundraiser started to support Mr Holland’s family has as of Monday morning raised more than $1.7m, smashing its original $500,000 goal.
Warchime, ridden by Dean Holland wins the Harvey Norman Ararat Maiden Plate at Ararat Racecourse on April 20. Picture: Brendan McCarthy/Racing Photos via Getty Images
Mr Holland, born and raised in South Australia, leaves behind wife Lucy, and five children — Harley, Luca, Frankie, and Lily — all under the age of five.
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Mr Holland had ridden 82 winners in Victoria, and was fourth on the Victorian jockeys‘ premiership table.
A career highlight was winning the 2019 Adelaide Cup on Surprise Baby.
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