RACING trainer Henry de Bromhead touched fans with his dignity and sincerity in an emotional interview after the tragic death of his 13-year-old son Jack.
The Grand National-winning trainer’s young boy sadly passed away after a pony racing accident in Ireland last month.
"We've had a pretty tough time. The support from our family, friends & this industry has been unbelievable."
An absolute gentleman. It's fantastic to see you back on a racecourse @HenrydeBromhead – wishing you & your family all the very best
pic.twitter.com/ui0R1SfV6a
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 20, 2022
Racing was rocked by the news of 13-year-old Jack’s tragic death
The whole of racing came together to offer the popular handler their love and support in the wake of such a devastating loss.
And De Bromhead, who was back at a racecourse for the first time on Thursday when visiting Thurles, thanked everyone in the sport for their help at such a tough time.
De Bromhead, 49, told Ruby Walsh on Racing TV: “With Jack we have had a pretty tough time.
“Firstly, your tribute to him was incredible, it blew us away.
“We have had a lot of tough weeks but the support from our family, friends and this industry, all over, has been unbelievable.
“Heather, Georgia, Mia and myself have been blown away by it.
“Every little bit of support we get give us a little bit of strength.
“We feel incredibly lucky to have everyone around us.”
Heartbroken viewers praised De Bromhead for his touching words.
One said: “So much love for Henry and his family. What a dignified interview in the face of such heartbreak.”
Another wrote: “What a great man – thoughts continue to be with Henry and his wife and family.”
‘WINNERS DON’T FEEL THE SAME’
While one viewer said: “An unbelievably strong man.”
Young Jack’s funeral took place last month and De Bromhead’s retained jockey Rachael Blackmore was among mourners.
She said winners on the racecourse ‘don’t feel the same‘ in light of Jack’s death.
Grand National heroine and Cheltenham Festival legend Blackmore was due to be at Thurles on Thursday.
But a nasty fall schooling meant she was forced to miss her rides – ahead of Cheltenham’s first meeting of the season.
De Bromhead, 49, and wife Heather paid tribute to their son in a statement released in the days after his death.
It read: “On September 3, we said goodbye to our extraordinary, beautiful 13-year-old-son, Jack.
‘OUR HEARTS ARE TRULY BROKEN’
“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.
“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.”
