A horrific pony riding accident killed the 13-year-old son of famous jumps trainer Henry de Bromhead.
Jack de Bromhead died after collapsing during the fifth race on Rossbeigh beach on the first day of the Glenbeigh Festival. It happened around 5:20 p.m.
Gardai and emergency personnel were dispatched to the location, where the young cyclist was treated but eventually confirmed dead. The remainder of the festival has been canceled.
Jack De Bromhead killed in pony racing accident at Co Kerry
Jack de Bromhead, the 13-year-old son of Waterford-based Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead and his wife Heather, was killed in a pony racing mishap in Kerry on Saturday.
De Bromhead was taken to hospital after what has been characterized as a “freak accident” during a race on Rossbeigh beach in Kerry as part of a two-day meeting.
Jack De Bromhead Cause of death & Accident at Glenbeigh Racing Festival
THE GRAND NATIONAL-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead’s teenage son perished in a horrific pony riding accident.
Jack de Bromhead, 13, died shortly after the tragedy occurred on Saturday during the fifth race of the Glenbeigh Festival.
The sad tragedy occurred during the Glenbeigh Racing Festival in County Kerry, in front of nearly 5,000 spectators, including members of the De Bromhead family.
Emergency vehicles had been dispatched to Rossbeigh beach, where the event is held every year on Saturday.
Who was Jack De Bromhead?
Jack, who was a racing enthusiast, was just getting started in the sport, which is open to under 16s, and, having ridden five winners this season, including one at the recent Dingle Derby meeting, was prominent in the championship and picking up outside rides, the hallmark of a competent jockey.
Career and life of Jack De Bromhead
Jack de Bromhead was born into the sport, as were his twin sister Mia and younger sister Georgia. His grandpa, Harry, rode as an amateur and put out a Cheltenham Festival winner, Fissure Seal, from the family estate in Knockeen, near Waterford, before passing the reins to Henry in 2000.
It is now one of Ireland’s leading yards, with de Bromhead becoming the first person to win Cheltenham’s holy trinity of Champion Hurdle (Honeysuckle), Champion Chase (Put The Kettle On), and Gold Cup (Minella Indo) all in the same season, before winning the Grand National three weeks later with Minella Times, ridden by stable jockey Rachael Blackmore.
Last season, he won the Champion Hurdle for the second time with Honeysuckle, who is still unbeaten in 16 starts, and the Gold Cup for the third time, this time with A Plus Tard.
Jack moved to pony racing last year after successful eventing and showjumping ponies. “I remember Henry telling me that he’d sit on the arm of a sofa practicing riding his finish and all he’d hear from the next door room was whack, whack, whack,” family friend and bloodstock agent Peter Molony remembered.
“So they gave him an equicizer for Christmas, and Rachael Blackmore taught him.” He was obsessed with racing. He was only getting started, but he never stopped smiling.”
Tributes to Jack De Bromhead
There are no words. What a devastating tragedy. RIP Jack De Bromhead. 😔 pic.twitter.com/GCg3y2oCS5
— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) September 4, 2022
Tributes to the De Bromhead family have continued to come in.
Ronan O’Gara, a former Ireland rugby player, stated: “Thoughts and prayers are being sent to the de Bromhead family.
“A 13-year-old boy was photographed doing what he enjoyed. The unfortunate family. The heart is in pain.”
Sam Twiston-Davies, a British jockey, stated: “All of the family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. This is heartbreaking news.”
County Kerry Councillor Michael Cahill added: “The entire establishment is in shock. It’s a horrible thing.
“Our hearts go out to the family. I only saw him cycle in Cahersiveen last week. This is terrible.
“It has long cast a pall over our meeting. People had tears streaming down their cheeks.
“This is usually a joyful, family-oriented festival.” Everything has altered in a matter of hours. It has an effect on everyone.”
Following the tragic death of Jack de Bromhead following an accident yesterday in Ireland the jockeys riding in the @ponyracinggb pony races today took part in a minute silence as a mark of respect to Jack.
— York Racecourse (@yorkracecourse) September 4, 2022
Our deepest thoughts and sympathy are with Jack’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/b7ReOG5f5O
“The directors and employees of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board send their heartfelt sympathy to the De Bromhead family on the awful death of Jack yesterday,” a spokeswoman for Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board CEO Darragh O’Loughlin stated. “Rest in peace, he.”
“The BHA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Henry de Bromhead following the unfortunate death of his son Jack,” the British Horseracing Authority said in a tweet.
Also read
- Lancashire’s M6 closed due to fatal early-morning collision: What happened? explained.
- Who is Cleotha Abston? What happened to Eliza Fletcher? Explained along with evidences.
Follow us on Twitter
