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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Michelle Cullen

Henry de Bromhead 'blown away' by Michael O'Leary gesture as Cheltenham race to be renamed in honour of late son Jack, 13

Henry de Bromhead has opened up on dealing with the death of his son Jack who tragically died earlier this year.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival would be renamed to honour the late Jack de Bromhead after a poignant gesture by race sponsor and Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary.

Jack, 13, sadly passed away after a "freak accident" during a pony race in Co Kerry.

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Speaking about the announcement to Newstalk Breakfast, Jack's dad Henry said the gesture means a lot to his family.

He said: "It is really kind.

"Michael [O'Leary] suggested it around the time of Jack's funeral, and we were blown away by the gesture.

"I suppose every bit of support you get gives you great strength. Jacksy would love to have been over there at it, and look, it is amazing."

The renowned trainer said an Irish festival would also be honouring Jack this year. The Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle will take place at Leopardstown on December 28th.

He thanked people all over the country for their support in the weeks since the tragedy.

He said: "The support we have gotten from everybody is just unbelievable, and this is a good opportunity to thank everyone.

"We're still opening cards and letters from people."

"Obviously, this is everyone's worst nightmare, but we feel incredibly fortunate because these really kind gestures are great support for us, and they offer something for us to look forward to."

Henry said there are families all over Ireland who are going through similar tragedies without getting the same support his family have.

"Just to know everyone is behind you like that is just amazing," he said.

"Obviously, it is an incredibly tough time, but every little bit of support you get gives you a little bit more strength."

He said his family is "as good as we can be" two months on from the accident.

Henry added: "We wouldn't be this good if it wasn't for all the support we're getting from everyone".

"It is unreal, and I would really like to thank everyone on behalf of my family for their support."

The Cheltenham race is being renamed in Jack's honour through sponsor Michael O'Leary.

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