There was a particularly special and emotional race at Leopardstown this afternoon with the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle, named after Henry de Bromhead's son Jack, who died in a tragic freak accident during a pony race in Kerry in September.
Henry de Bromhead was running a horse in the race today, Bob Olinger, in what was a heartbreaking but special occasion for him and his family.
Riding Bob Olinger was Rachel Blackmore, who is probably the most well known and celebrated Irish jockey of recent years, making the race even more meaningful.
Unfortunately Blackmore could not bring home the victory, finishing fifth, with the Joseph O'Brien trained Home By The Lee taking the win.
Nonetheless it was a fitting race and tribute, after which Henry de Bromhead gave a brave and emotional interview in tribute to his son.
Absolutely, it's great, it's amazing. The support we have is incredible, friends, family, everyone working with us. Just everyone in the whole industry, everyone.
We're extremely lucky and very lucky to have these two [his daughters], and their mum, and we've had a fantastic day and we obviously miss Jacksy, but when we saw the rainbow we knew he was with us.
Henry de Bromead Gives Powerful Interview At Leopardstown
"The support we have is incredible"
The racing family unites for @HenrydeBromhead #ITVRacing | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/xsZUcqRbxI— ITV Racing (@itvracing) December 28, 2022
Improving staying hurdler Home By The Lee (7-1) claims the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown for Joseph O'Brien and JJ Slevin. pic.twitter.com/9XAa1hst5Q
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) December 28, 2022
READ HERE: Jack De Bromhead Remembered With Colourful Tributes
"It's great to win a Grade 1 with him," said Jospeh O'Brien after his Leopardstown win. "He can be horse that can race lazily and can hit a hurdle, but today he travelled very well.
"It's great to win the race for the owner [Sean O'Driscoll] and I'm sure he got a great kick out of that.
"He's not a straightforward horse. He can tend to hit flat spots but he's a good horse and it's wonderful to win a race like this with him. JJ gave him a lovely ride and looked like the best horse in the race."
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