A horse trainer is “honoured” that the parents of Jack De Bromhead have given the go-ahead for one last pony race event this year.
John “Shark” Hanlon got the approval from Henry and Heather De Bromhead for the fixture to run after it was initially cancelled in the wake of the 13-year-old’s tragic passing.
The racing community will unite to honour the young lad at the meeting which will take place at Borris, Co Carlow, on Sunday, October 2.
READ MORE: Teenage jockey killed in tragic accident named as leading Irish trainer's son
Avid pony-racer Jack, from Waterford, died during the Glenbeigh Festival on Rossbeigh Beach in Kerry after a fall at 5.20pm on September 3.
Mr Hanlon, who is organising the Borris fixture, said that legendary horse trainer Henry and wife felt it was a “good idea” and something “Jack would like”.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, Mr Hanlon said: “We’re doing it for pony racing and for Jack.
“Jack loved his pony racing and as Henry said it was a big part of his life. And we were very honoured that Henry and Heather have given the go-ahead for it.
“It was a big call for them to give us the go-ahead to this as they’re going through a tough time, the toughest time of their life.”
Mr Hanlon said his phone has been hopping with calls from people offering sponsorship.
He said: “Willie Mullins said fair play for getting it going, it’s great for the whole racing community, for jockeys, the young lads, for everyone.
“We had decided that we weren’t going to do it this year, we were going to leave it until next year.
“But next year is a long time for young lads. And I think those young lads will be glad to get back in the saddle and to get a day out for it. And hopefully we get a big crowd on the day.”
Mr Hanlon is involved in the pony racing circuit through his son Paddy, who won the Scottish championship the day Jack lost his life.
He said: “My son was very great with him, he was always on the phone with him and that.
“And we were after being in Scotland that day, it’s hard on the young lad’s friends, all the young lads in pony racing.
“It’s an awful thing so it is. Jack was such a gent.”
Mr Hanlon said an online auction is also taking place to help fund Irish pony racing’s survival which can be found at ponyracing.ie.
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