The racing community is in deep mourning after the death of teenage son of Grand National-winning Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead.
13-year-old jockey, Jack de Bromhead died, following a racing accident in county Kerry. He suffered fatal injuries in a fall from a horse at the Glenbeigh Festival Saturday evening.
Emergency services attended the scene where treatment was given but Jack was later pronounced dead. His body was removed to Kerry University Hospital where a post mortem will take place.
The event has been cancelled today (Sunday) following the accident as well as a number of racing events around the country as a mark of respect to the young boy and his family.
In a statement, from Horse Racing Ireland CEO, Suzanne Eade said:
“Like everybody in the horse racing and pony racing community, I want to offer my deepest condolences to his parents Henry and Heather, his sisters Mia and Georgia and extended family, on the tragic loss of their beloved Jack.
Jack may have been only 13 but he was already incredibly popular in the racing community. His family and friends, his pony racing colleagues and all those who lives he touched are in our thoughts today during this numbing, devastating tragedy.
Horse Racing Ireland’s equuip department through the Industry Assistance Programme will assist in offering counselling for Jack’s pony racing colleagues and friends.
May he rest in peace.”
Local councillor Michael Cahill, who lives in Glenbeigh and whose family were attending the event said there was widespread shock and devastation as details of the horrific accident emerged.
"There's a dark cloud over the entire community. It's hard to comprehend that such a tragedy happened here yesterday."
Irish trainer Gordon Elliott and 'At The Races' are just some of many paying tributes to the teenager.
We are very sorry for the short notice but due to unforeseen circumstances, we have to cancel our open day tomorrow, Sunday September 4th
— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) September 3, 2022
Devastating news. RIP Jack de Bromhead pic.twitter.com/Yovr6rdj4l
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) September 4, 2022
Just seven days ago, the promising young jockey had won his first race at Cahierciveen.
Henry De Bromhead and his family run their training stables at Knockeen in Co Waterford. Henry has been a very successful trainer and was a Grand National winner in 2021, and the winner of two Cheltenham Gold cups at the festivals there in 2021 and 2022.
