IRISH HORSE TRAINER Henry de Bromhead has said that Irish tycoon Michael O'Leary is changing the name of the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at next year's Cheltenham Festival to the 'Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle in an incredible tribute to the late teenager.
The 13-year-old lost his life in a tragic accident following an incident during the fifth race on the opening day of the Glenbeigh Festival on Rossbeigh Beach at around 5:20pm last September.
Jack was the only son of Henry and Heather, who also have two daughters in Georgia and Mia, the twin of Jack.
A tribute on RIP.ie from the family at the time said that Jack de Bromhead was 'A one-of-a-kind child who touched all our lives in the best way possible'.
Speaking to racing media outlet Racing TV on Tuesday, the father of the late teenager confirmed that O'Leary's kind gesture was 'incredible'. He also thanked him for it.
"Michael O’Leary (of sponsors @Ryanair) has very kindly said they are going to name the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle the Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle, which is incredible."
What a brilliant gesture ❤️
📰 @HenrydeBromhead | @CheltenhamRaces | @irishkor— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 8, 2022
“Michael O’Leary (of sponsors Ryanair) has very kindly said they are going to name the mares’ novices’ hurdle the Jack de Bromhead Mares Novices’ Hurdle, which is incredible," said de Bromhead.
“I’m hoping to do a Willie (Mullins) on it and try and fill the field if at all possible! We’ll certainly be aiming her towards there I would imagine.
“Magical Zoe is a nice mare. We always thought she was nice but I suppose she did surprise us on Friday in the sense that she’s a bit of an unknown.
“I’m not sure where she’ll go next. I think I want to start at Cheltenham and work backwards with her. She’s only four and only a baby, so we’ll see."
Henry de Bromhead is best known for this recent success at the Cheltenham Festival over the past few years, with jockey Rachael Blackmore. They pair have won the Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle earlier this year.
Winning next year's the newly titled 'Jack de Bromhead Mares' Novices' Hurdle next year could be the sweetest victory to date for the Irish horse trainer.
