Leading horse racing trainer Henry de Bromhead’s teenage son Jack tragically killed in pony riding accident

THE teenage son of Grand National-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead has died after a tragic pony riding accident.

Jack de Bromhead, 13, passed away shortly after the incident occurred during the fifth race of the Glenbeigh Festival on Saturday.

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Jack tragically passed away on SaturdayCredit: www.healyracing.ie

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The teen would regularly ride out for his fatherCredit: www.healyracing.ie

Emergency services were quick to the scene on Rossbeigh beach – in County Kerry, Ireland – but sadly the youngster died from his injuries.

The rest of the racing programme was abandoned immediately after the accident and the second day of the festival – which was scheduled for Sunday – has been cancelled.

Jack was a promising young rider who would regularly ride out for his father in their Knockeen stables in Waterford.

The teen rode a winner at the Cahersiveen Races just last weekend.

Tributes have continued to pour in for the De Bromhead family.

Former Ireland rugby star Ronan O’Gara said: “Thoughts and prayers with the de Bromhead family.

“A 13 year old boy taken doing what he loved. The poor family. The heart hurts.”

British jockey Sam Twiston-Davies said: “Deepest of thoughts and prayers with all the family and friends. Heartbreaking news.”

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And local County Kerry Councillor Michael Cahill said: “The whole place is in a state of shock. It’s such a terrible thing.

“Our sympathies go out to the family. I saw him ride in Cahersiveen only last week. This is awful.

“It’s put a cloud of sadness over our meeting forever. People are here with tears rolling down their faces.

“This is always a happy, joyous, family festival. Within a short few hours everything has changed. It’s impacting on everyone.”

Jack briefly became a TV celebrity in April when his interview with RTE went viral.

When asked about Honeysuckle – the horse his dad trains – he said: “The best mare ever.

“She can be a bit angry sometimes. If you walk in her stable she can turn her bum to you or try and bite you, unless you give her carrots. She loves carrots.”

His dad, Henry, finished third in the British trainers’ championship at the end of the 2020-21 season following a successful spell with top horses such as Honeysuckle, Minella Indo, Put The Kettle On and Minella Times.

His current stable jockey is record-breaking Rachael Blackmore, who is widely considered as one of the best female jockeys in the world.