The late Jack De Bromhead is set to have a hurdle race named after him at the famous Cheltenham racecourse.
Speaking to Racing TV today, Jack's father Henry stated that they are set to rename the Mares Novice at Cheltenham, the Jack De Bromhead Mares Novice.
Michael O'Leary has very kindly said that they are going to name the Mares Novice at Cheltenham Races the ‘Jack De Bromhead Mares Novice Hurdle’, which is incredible.
Henry de Bromhead on Racing TV: "Michael O'Leary has very kindly said that they are going to name the Mares Novice @CheltenhamRaces the 'Jack de Bromhead Mares Novice Hurdle', which is incredible. I'm hoping to do a Willie on it and practically fill the field if at all possible!"
— Donal Murphy (@1DonalMurphy) November 8, 2022
The race is currently sponsored by Michael O'Leary's budget airline and it is a wonderful gesture from the Gigginstown Stud owner.
Lovely Gesture
The move is a lovely gesture in memory of the late Jack De Bromhead. The young jockey passed away in September after a tragic accident whilst riding his pony in a race at the Glenvay Racing Festival in Kerry. The 13-year-old captured the hearts of the nation earlier this year as he showed his enthusiasm over his father's racehorse Honeysuckle in an interview with RTÉ.
There are no words. What a devastating tragedy. RIP Jack De Bromhead. 😔 pic.twitter.com/GCg3y2oCS5
— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) September 4, 2022
At the funeral, the De Bromhead family said that Jack was one of a kind.
He was one of a kind, a child that touched all our lives in the best possible way. He would be forever present in our lives. Always cherished, always loved, frozen in time with a beautiful young soul.
Historical Race
The Ryanair Mares Hurdle was added to the Cheltenham card in 2016 and has been sponsored by Ryanair since 2021.
Interestingly, the race was won in 2021 by Rachael Blackmore on Telmesomethinggirl, which was trained by Henry de Bromhead.
Cheltenham is set to begin next year on the 14th of March and end on the 17th. It would be an amazing tribute to Jack's memory if one of his father's trained horse won the race again.
