He started riding quarter horses at places such as Birchip and Merton and even rode in Arabian horse races before taking steps to apply for his picnic jockey licence in 2017.

And just after things started to get on a roll, a serious neck injury in 2022 wasn’t even enough for Dean to give up on his dream of becoming a professional jockey.

Having battled his weight and at times his focus, at 28 years of age Dean knew his time was running out to make the grade.

So when he got the call-up for Racing Victoria’s Apprenticeship Program late last year from more than 50 applicants, he remembered it releasing a flood of emotions.

“It was an amazing feeling,” he recalls.

“I can’t really describe it, it was more of a relief than anything.

“Working so hard throughout the year with my weight and be consistent and improve my riding and show them I was ready to transfer over.

“I have always dreamt about it.

“But I was a bit young and got a bit carried away with things, but I got a bit older and matured.

“I would be lying if I said it’s been easy.”

Dean will be following in the footsteps of the likes of Clayton Douglas, Billy Egan, Caitlin Jones and Sophie Logan, who have progressed from Victoria’s picnic circuit.

WATCH: Dean goes from Picnics to pros

In his eight years as a picnic rider, Dean has punched home 72 winners and proven to be one of the circuit’s most improved and talented riders.

But that chapter is about to come to a close as he saddles up for his final ride as a picnic hoop in Thursday nights $25,000 Victorian Picnic 24/25 Grand Final (1600m) at Pakenham.

“I have made some amazing friends from the circuit riding against them each week,” Dean reflected.

“Normally we have this rule whoever rides the most winners buys the beers after the meeting, so that’s been good having a drink with the boys after the races.

“It’s a good team at the picnics, a very happy and friendly environment.”

Dean’s mount is Anything But, trained by picnic legend Reg Manning and at start 96 it will be his 22nd ride on the rising 10-year-old.

And it would be fair to say the duo has quite the bond, with Dean having ridden him to back-to-back Yea Cup victories, an Easter Plate at Balnarring and recently on his birthday a Hinnomunjie Cup win.

“I’ve ridden him God knows how many times now,” Dean says.

“The horse has been a big part of my career and so has Reg.

“We can only dream about it (winning).

“We’ve drawn a gate where he should get every chance, he gets back in the field and hopefully things open up when we need them to and I can’t see why he won’t be in the finish.”

Dean, who is the son of former jockey Colin and professes to be the ‘more timid’ version of his brother and well-known jockey valet Jordan, says Thursday night’s annual race is a highlight each season.

The $25,000 purse is more than four times the usual prize pool of a picnic race.

“We all look forward to it, under lights with the cameras,” he said.

“It is a big thrill for all of us and it’s what we ride for all season, knowing we get our chance in the spotlight.

“All 10 of us at the meeting will be excited.”

Dean will be apprenticed to Wendy Kelly and hopes to be riding on the professional circuit before the end of the season.