John 'Shark' Hanlon paid an emotional tribute to Jack de Bromhead after his runner Hewick won the American Grand National on Saturday.
The Carlow trainer and his son, who was Jack's best friend, were both thinking of the youngster immediately after the race.
'Shark' said: "I just have to say that there was an accident with Jack De Bromhead.
"And we're all thinking of him. My young lad that led up the horse was his best friend, and he cried there, and he said 'this is for Jack'."
Hewick added to his Galway Plate win from earlier in the summer when landing the 2m5f contest at Far Hills at odds of 21/10 under Wexford jockey Jordan Gainford.
On his horses performance, Hanlon added: "He travelled so well.
"Everyone was saying that the trip was too short, that we were wrong to come here, but he has a lot more pace than people think he has. Look, it's a dream come through for us. 'Tis my own young lad looking after him."
Hewick was purchased for just €850 and was in contention when falling at the last fence in the Kerry National at Listowel last month.
He earned his connections around €160,000 in winning the race in New Jersey.
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