Top jockey Davy Russell has described his friend Henry de Bromhead’s late son Jack as someone who “loved every moment of his life”.
Jack died tragically on Saturday, aged just 13, in a horse racing accident at Glenbeigh in Co Kerry.
Davy (33) knew Jack from a young age and said: “He was a beautiful boy, a very charming young boy and he had a gorgeous cheeky smile.
READ MORE: Jockeys at Galway in poignant tribute to Jack de Bromhead prior to first race
“It was very easy to like him. He had a bright future ahead of him and last year qualified his pony for Dublin.
“He rode in the main arena on his pony Back In A Flash and he was a very capable rider.
“He was always very excited about the next step that he would take to become a jockey.
“He would wear his parents’ colours and was so loyal to his mum and dad.
“He was passionate about everything, including farming and rugby. He was quite a good rugby player.
“When he went about doing something, he gave it everything.
“He was very interested in dogs and hunting and would exercise his dogs before he went to school.
“You could see the affection that had for his parents. You could see it in him.
“He loved his life, he loved every moment of his life. It is so sad and it has touched an awful lot of people.
“He had that effect on people. He was a boy, only a child. He will be sorely missed.”
Jack was riding on Rossbeigh beach in a two-day event known as the flapper races when tragedy struck during the fifth run at around 5pm.
He fell from his horse as they were making a turn near the water’s edge and some of the horses ended up in the water.
His body was removed to University Hospital Kerry for a post-mortem.
Jack’s devastated father Henry de Bromhead is an award-winning trainer with stables at Knockeen in Co Waterford.
He is famous as a hugely successful trainer with wins at the Grand National in 2021 and two Cheltenham Gold Cups in 2021 and 2022.
Meanwhile, the details of Jack’s funeral have been announced in the wake of his sad death over the weekend.
The death of the Waterford native has plunged the Irish horse racing community into a deep state of mourning.
His funeral mass will take place at 12pm tomorrow in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown, Co Waterford.
His devastated parents Henry and Heather have requested that any donations made in his name are to be given to the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.
They have also asked that all those who attend Jack’s funeral mass wear colourful clothing, in celebration of their son’s spirit.
A funeral message on RIP.ie, read: “On September 3rd we said goodbye to our extraordinary, beautiful 13 year old son, Jack.
“A one-of-a-kind child who touched all our lives in the best way possible - he will be forever present in our lives.
“Always cherished, always loved.”
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