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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Vincent Whelan

Jockeys at Galway in poignant tribute to Jack de Bromhead prior to first race

There was a powerful scene prior to Monday's first race at Galway as a minute's silence was observed in memory of Jack de Bromhead.

In what was the first Irish meet since the 13-year-old's tragic death, jockeys and fans alike bowed their heads to reflect on the cruel twist of fate that saw his life cut short.

Later in the day Danny Mullins spoke to Racing TV about what a sombre atmosphere there was around the weighing room and the track as a whole.

READ MORE: Funeral details for Jack de Bromhead released after tragic passing

He said: "It is, you know, a very sad time and all are thoughts are with the de Bromhead family.

"All connected to the yard have been deeply affected by it. We're sporting the red armbands today supporting Jack."

"It's a cruel game, but that's where we are."

As he mentioned, they all wore red armbands as they are the de Bromhead racing colours that Jack himself favoured when he raced.

Similarly, stable boys and girls wore black armbands for the day.

Only the weekend prior to his sad passing at a pony racing festival in Kerry, he had won a race as his dad Henry's love for the sport was clearly in him too.

Star trainer Henry and wife Heather released a heartbreaking statement on Sunday as they reflected on their awful loss.

It 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, frozen in time with a beautiful young soul.

"He had an over-brimming heart of loyalty, empathy, patience, pluck, courage, and how he made us laugh! Not only the perfect, funny, loving son but also an incredible loving brother to our beautiful daughters, his twin sister Mia and his little sister, Georgia.

"He always had their back and was fiercely loyal and kind. Our hearts are truly broken.

"He made so many friends wherever he went and they felt his special, unique and loyal touch on their lives, too. We ask that they please celebrate and love him as we know he would have wished.

"Jack has lived so many more years than the 13 – he filled every moment of his days, always busy, forever curious, grasping at life and new interests.

"The passion he had for his family and friends extended to all his hobbies and interests, too many to fit into 13 years and he was certainly too busy to spend more than a minute more than he had to in the classroom! It started with his work on the farm, the tractor, the cattle, the ponies and horses.

"He was a passionate expert on them all by the time he was 10. By 11, he was offering expert advice and consultation to his father on training horses as he developed his father's passion for all aspects of racing.

"He recently started at a new school and by day two had already made a huge number of new friends to add to all his closest friends from home. Jack's friendships were of the deep and loyal kind, and were treasured by him.

"Jack, you will be with us always at home in your family and friends' hearts.

"Always present, always cherished, with so many memories from your packed, extraordinary life. Deeply loved and missed by your parents, Henry and Heather, your sisters Mia and Georgia, your grandparents Andrew, Marian, Harry and Sally, your aunts and uncles, extended family and friends."

He will be laid to rest on Tuesday at 12pm in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown, Co Waterford.

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