A jockey who has died after falling from his horse during a race in country Victoria has been remembered as a “a top bloke and great family man”.
Dean Holland, 34, fell from his horse Headingley at a race in Donald, 280km north-west of Melbourne, at about 1.30pm on Monday.
Paramedics treated him but he died at the scene, Victoria Police confirmed.
“Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a jockey in Donald on 24 April,” a police spokesperson said.
WorkSafe was notified and will investigate the death, which was not treated as suspicious, police said.
Alana Kelly, another jockey also fell after her horse, Time To Rumble, tripped over Headingley, but she was able to walk from the track for treatment, according to reports.
Racing Victoria stewards announced the event was abandoned about 2.40pm.
Horse breeder Andy McKendry owned several of the horses Holland rode throughout his career and described him as “a top bloke and great family man”.
“All I can say is he was an underrated jockey who was having his breakout season,” McKendry said.
“A big loss to his family … and to all people in the industry,” he said, adding that Holland had a wife and four kids.
“I’m in shock and heartbroken. Gone but never forgotten.”
– with Australian Associated Press
