The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry has rallied behind the family of Dean Holland and will contribute to a major fundraiser at next month's Magic Millions National Sale on the Gold Coast.
A number of the country's leading stud farms have donated stallion nominations for the 2023 breeding season and they will be auctioned prior to the commencement of Day One of the National Broodmare Sale on May 23.
Funds raised will be provided not only to the family of Dean Holland, who tragically died after a race fall at Donald in Victoria on Monday, but farms will have the option to donate a portion of their proceeds to the National Jockeys Trust to support all jockeys who have suffered misfortune in their line of work.
The much loved South Australian born and bred and Victorian based jockey has left behind a wife and four young children.
Only last month the natural lightweight rider showed his class and poise when stepping in for the injured Jamie Kah to ride In Secret to a faultless victory in the Group One Newmarket Handicap.
That was the second Group One win for the rider after winning an Australasian Oaks aboard Small Minds.
The Dean Holland story began at Ceduna in December 2005 where he rode for the first time. He rode his first winner at the same track a month later aboard Brookman.
In the years following Holland racked up wins all around the country - over 1100 on 73 tracks around Australia as well as riding a number of winners in Korea and Mauritius.
"Dean was a much loved member of our wonderful industry and his loss this week was simply devastating," Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch said.
"All of those who knew Dean all said the same thing - an incredible gentleman, loyal friend, loving husband and amazing father. He became a good friend with a number of our team around Australia."
"As it does so well at times of adversity, the wider thoroughbred industry rallies to support those in need or those left behind."
"Stallion owners, stud farms, breeders and other industry participants will be able to provide this support with this fundraising effort to the Holland family and the National Jockeys Trust."
Stallion nominations confirmed so far include a mix of stablished stars and exciting young sires: All Too Hard, Captivant, Dubious, Hellbent, In the Congo, Pierata, Sejardan, Starspangledbanner and Stronger.
Magic Millions will announce the final list of stallion nominations up for auction in the coming weeks. Any farms would like to be involved should express interest through Magic Millions' Bloodstock Manager Dane Robinson on 0488 005 572.
