Henry De Bromhead said it was good to be back at the races today as he comes to terms with the devastating tragedy of losing his son Jack.
13-year-old Jack De Bromhead passed away after an accident at a point-to-point race in Rossbeigh beach in Kerry in September and ever since, the horse-racing community in Ireland has been overshadowed by grief.
The Waterford trainer was back at the races in Thurles today and in an interview with Ruby Walsh on Racing TV, he took the opportunity to thank everyone for their support. He says that every little bit of support they get gives them strength.
"I'd just like to say one thing as well," De Bromhead said at the end of his interview with Walsh.
"With Jack and everything, we've obviously had a pretty tough time but like, firstly, your tribute to him was incredible, it blew us away at Leopardstown. And seeing everyone there was amazing.
"Obviously, we've had a lot of tough weeks, but the support from our family, friends and this industry, and all over, but especially our industry, has been unbelievable," he added.
"Heather, Georgia, Mia and myself have been blown away by it and every bit of support we get, gives us a little bit of strength. And we feel incredibly lucky to have everyone around us."
https://twitter.com/RacingTV/status/1583090457927909376
Ruby Walsh had voiced a tribute to Jack a week after his death back in September, to the tune of his favourite song, Coldplay's Sky full of stars.
https://twitter.com/RTEracing/status/1568653773806895107
Just last week, after he won the American Grand National with Hewick, Carlow based trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon also paid tribute to the De Bromheads. Shark's son was one of Jack's best friends and he dedicated Hewick's win to his lost friend.
I just have to say that there was an accident in Ireland with Jack De Bromhead," said Hanlon.
"And we're all thinking of him. My young lad that led up the horse was his best friend, and he cried there, and he said 'this is for Jack.'"
