The VRC will honour the memory of late jockey Dean Holland with a trophy to the winning jockey of a major Group 1 race.
In a marvellous display of top class horsemanship and humility, Holland, 34, last March rode Godolphin superstar In Secret to victory in the Group 1 Newmarket as a late call-up for injured jockey Jamie Kah, who was taken to hospital after a nasty fall earlier on the Flemington card.
Despite achieving the career milestone, Holland won hearts with muted celebrations and a classy post-race interview.
“The last thing I wanted to do today was carry on – win, lose, or draw – it’s very unfortunate what happened to Jamie and Willo (Williams), and my thoughts go out to them,” Holland said after the race.
“I was just the lucky one who was able to ride light today and picked up the ride on one of Australia’s best sprinters.”
Dean Holland guides In Secret to victory in the Newmarket Handicap. Picture: Vince Caligiuri-Getty Images
Holland tragically died from injuries sustained in a race fall at Donald on April 24.
Up to 2000 mourners attended the memorial service at Flemington last Monday week for the 34-year-old father of four.
The VRC, in consultation with Holland’s family and the Victorian Jockeys’ Association, on Wednesday will announce the Dean Holland Trophy to commemorate the late jockey and the sportsmanship he showed after winning the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap.
VRC chairman Neil Wilson said the club was pleased to be able to honour Holland, who rode regularly at Flemington.
“Dean was a bright light in the lives of so many and our thoughts remain with his family and friends,” Wilson said.
“His legacy will live on through the Dean Holland Trophy and I have no doubt this race will hold extra significance to Dean’s colleagues in the Victorian jockeys’ room.”
The VRC will also acknowledge Holland on Saturday, the VRC National Jockeys’ Trust Race Day, with the naming of a race, In Memory of Dean Holland.