Dean Holland was remembered as beautiful, loving, cheeky, funny, energetic, fearless and competitive at a moving funeral service at Flemington racecourse on Monday afternoon.
A huge crowd turned out at the scene of Holland’s biggest success to farewell the popular jockey who died, aged 34, from injuries suffered in a race fall at Donald on April 24.
Australian Jockeys’ Association chairman Des O’Keeffe spoke on behalf of Holland’s parents Darren and Belinda, Holland’s sister Kirstie Arnel, uncle Scott Holland, former colleague, friend and mentor James Winks and Racing Victoria’s Lisa Stevens all delivered eulogies.
The song that was to be played at the wedding of Dean and his partner Lucy, who share four young children Harley, Luca, Franklin and Lily, later this year was also played.
Holland’s funeral was preceded by Lily’s baptism in the Flemington mounting yard, where Dean returned to victorious aboard In Secret after this year’s Group 1 Newmarket Handicap – the biggest of his 1118 wins in a career that spanned almost 20 years.
Scott Holland remembered a nephew the entire family was proud of.
“I’ll miss Dean’s humour, banter, smiles, laughs and hugs, phone calls, texts and face time,” he said.
“Dean was very special to me and he would be amazed and privileged to know how many people are honouring Dean’s life.
“Deanie, I was so fortunate to be your uncle and have you in my life, Champ.
“I love you now and always. You will always be in our hearts and minds.”
Holland’s final goodbye was played out on the Flemington straight where he was farewelled with a guard of honour by those in attendance.
Australia’s racing fraternity has thrown its arms around Holland’s family with the GoFundMe page organised to support Lucy and their four children in his absence has raised more than $1.8 million.
