Second Tragedy Hits Famous Equestrian Family in a Year, as 84-Year-Old Legendary Trainer Passes Away

One’s family is the root that binds the tree of life together. Hence, when we lose a loved one, it is always a shock to the system. The memories that stay behind might be silver linings, but it is still a rough scenario to survive. But when the entire family is in shambles, what does a person fall back to? A similar dilemma is what Henry de Bromhead, a member of a famous equestrian family, is facing.

Recently, his 84-year-old father Harry de Bromhead, also a revered horse trainer, passed away leaving a devastated son behind. For Henry, this is the second tragedy to strike within the span of a year. Merely 10 months ago, the 84-year-old’s grandson, Henry’s son, passed away at the young age of 13. After the harrowing event, the equestrian community rallied around the de Bromhead family to send their best wishes and condolences.

Double misfortune befalls a renowned equestrian clan

The father of Cheltenham Gold Cup and English Grand National trainer Henry de Bromhead passed away on Wednesday. Harry de Bromhead was 84 years old and respected in the community as a famous horse trainer. He used to edify his horses from his family’s yard which is located in Knockeen, Butlerstown near Waterford City. In addition to this sorrowful occurrence, a horrific accident took away the life of Henry de Bromhead’s son’s life in September last year.

Therefore, this is the second tragedy that the 51-year-old equestrian has to go through. The 13-year-old was killed in an accident that took place at the Glenbeigh Racing Festival in Kerry. Harry de Bromhead made a name for himself in the equestrian community after he trained Fissure Seal, who won the Pertemps Final held during the Cheltenham Festival in 1993. The fallen equestrian hero won a number of other graded races, including the 1992 Thyestes Chase. Bishops Hall, the horse that won the 1996 Kerry National was also trained by the late trainer.

Read more: Equestrian Horse Trainer Receives Lengthy Suspension and Heavy Fine for Alleged Involvement in Horse’s Mysterious Death

In 2000, Harry’s son Henry took over the training. Harry de Bromhead was also felicitated by the local Tramore Racecourse for his service to the equestrian community. His death fell over everyone like a dark blanket of sorrow, and several people sent tributes to the iconic trainer. According to a report by breakingnews.ie, Tramore Racecourse tweeted, “A fantastic trainer, a true gentleman and a great friend of Tramore racecourse. May he rest in peace.” With his father and his son passing away, Henry is in unspeakable grief.

The crushing death of a young life

During a pony race at Rossbeigh during the Glenbeigh Festival in Kerry, 13-year-old Jack was crushed by a horse after it appeared to stumble at a bend and then proceeded to fall on the young rider. The young rider was a second-year student at a secondary school. Jack’s family was devastated by the news of his untimely demise. After his passing, they remembered him by sharing a few special words. They said, “A one-of-a-kind child who touched all our lives in the best way possible – he will be forever present in our lives.”

The young equestrian left behind his parents, his sisters, and his grandpa, who passed away as well. The family further added, “He always had their back and was fiercely loyal and kind. Our hearts are truly broken.” Hopefully, the grandfather and the grandson will reunite in heaven and Henry will find the strength to persevere through this difficult time.