A dark cloud hangs over horse racing in the UK today following the death of leading trainer Henry de Bromhead's teenage son, Jack.
The 13-year-old sustained serious injuries in an accident in a pony race at the Glenbeigh Racing Festival on Rossbeigh Beach in Kerry on Saturday. Emergency services attended to the youngster, but he was later pronounced dead.
The jockey reportedly fell from his horse whilst making a turn near the water's edge, sending him onto the sands. A spokesman for the Irish police said: "Garda and emergency services responded to reports of an incident at Rossbeigh Beach in County Kerry earlier this evening at approximately 5.20pm. A male in his teens received treatment at the scene following the incident but was later pronounced deceased."
A spokesman for the festival committee then told the Irish Mail on Sunday: "Many of the members of the Glenbeigh Race Committee are parents themselves and they are devastated at the tragic events. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to the De Bromhead family and their friends."
Around 5,000 spectators were watching in Kerry, with members of de Bromhead’s family believed to have been amongst those in attendance. And since the news, tributes have flooded in, with @tomob83 writing: "RIP little Jack. Just devastating for the De Bromhead family and friends of Jack."
@B_Garts said: "A tragic weekend for this country. I can't imagine the pain their families are going through. Heart breaking. Puts everything into perspective," while @shivkelli posted: "So sad for Irish Racing and the loss of young Jack De Bromhead. No doubt a promising star! Thinking of his family and all connections at Glenbeigh Races."
@sports_db poignantly wrote: "Absolutely horrific, there are no words. What a devastating tragedy RIP Jack De Bromhead. My prayers are with his family to give them strength to help them through this."
@buff_egan echoed similar sentiments, saying: "Heartbreaking to hear the tragic passing of 13 year old Jack de Bromhead. The poor lad doing what he loved please God give his mum, dad, and family the strength to cope with this nightmare.
His father, Henry de Bromhead is a hugely successful trainer on the National Hunt circuit, dominating the Cheltenham Festival last year and winning the Aintree Grand National. He also became the first trainer ever to saddle winners of the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Gold Cup in the same year.
