Henry de Bromhead: Son of Grand National-winning trainer dies after pony racing accident in Co Kerry

The young son of leading Irish jumps trainer Henry de Bromhead has sadly died after a tragic pony racing accident in Co Kerry, Ireland, yesterday.

Jack de Bromhead died following an incident during the fifth race on the opening day of the Glenbeigh Festival on Rossbeigh Beach at around 5:20pm.

De Bromhead, 13, was given treatment at the scene but was later pronounced dead. The rest of the Festival has since been cancelled.

Jack had shown plenty of talent in the saddle, winning a pony race just last week at Cahirciveen Races.

He would ride out for father at his highly-successful yard in Knockeen, Co Waterford, featuring some of racing's biggest stars including unbeaten Champion Hurdle winner Honeysuckle, Cheltenham Gold Cup winner A Plus Tard and Grand National winner Minella Times.

Jack was the only son of Henry and Heather, who also have two daughters in Georgia and Mia, the twin of Jack.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that gardaí and emergency services had responded to reports of an incident at Rossbeigh Beach in Co.Kerry approximately 5.20pm.

"A male in his teens received treatment at the scene following the incident but was later pronounced deceased," the spokesperson said.

On Sunday afternoon in a notice on RIP.ie, the De Bromhead family offered the following words: "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 was an amazing son who told us he loved us every day - 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 thirteen - 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 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 fathers passion for all aspects of racing.

"He recently started at a new school and by day 2 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 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."

Tributes in the racing community have been pouring in, with leading Irish trainer, Gordon Elliott, cancelling an Open Day scheduled to take place at his yard on Sunday.

Gold Cup-winning trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "Absolutely tragic news about Jack De Bromhead. My heart breaks for his family.

"There are simply no words. Sending all of our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends."

Leading British jockey Sam Twiston-Davies added on Twitter: "Deepest of thoughts and prayers with all the family and friends. Heart-breaking news."

Former rugby star Ronan O'Gara was also among those expressing their shock. He tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers with the de Bromhead family. A 13-year-old boy taken doing what he loved. The poor family. The heart hurts."