Win, lose or draw, Dean Holland wanted to keep his emotions in check having landed the ride on In Secret in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
Holland picked up the ride in Saturday's Group 1 1200m sprint after Jamie Kah was transferred to Royal Melbourne Hospital following a fall in the Group 2 VRC Sires' Produce Stakes.
Jockeys Jamie Kah and Craig Williams received immediate medical attention and were transported to hospital. Both horses involved in the incident, Flyball and Dubenenko, returned to the care of their stables and were assessed by the on-course vets.
Given the call up by James Cummings and Godolphin, Holland guided In Secret ($6) to a length victory from Lofty Strike ($10) with the $4.60 favourite I Wish I Win a short-neck away third.
"First of all, what I didn't want to do was carry on, win, lose or draw with what happened with Jamie and Willo. My thoughts go out to them." Holland said.
"I'm the lucky one that was able to ride light and picked up the ride on one of Australia's best sprinters.
"James had no other options, unfortunately. He talked me through the race beforehand and showed me a few replays and a few things like that.
"He said she's had a tendency to be a bit slow this prep, and if she is, leave her alone and trust her. She has a strong finish, and I rode her accordingly and she was too good."
Holland had previously only one Group 1 to his credit, almost 13 years ago in Adelaide, and he admitted to feeling pressure when given the call.
He said his valet Colin Dean kept him calm while Cummings also filled him with confidence.
Having witnessed Kah's fall, Cummings said he had to put that emotion to the side as he planned who would ride In Secret.
