The whole of racing mourns Jack de Bromhead - he will never be forgotten

A one-of-a-kind child who touched all our lives in the best way possible – he will be forever present in our lives.

An unimaginable tragedy, inexpressible grief. No words. What can one possibly say about the accident at Glenbeigh that claimed the life of 13-year-old Jack de Bromhead?

No words. But Heather and Henry de Bromhead, in the depths of their agony, somehow found words and expressed their heartfelt love for their son Jack most beautifully and movingly.

He was an amazing son who told us he loved us every day . . . Not only the perfect, funny, loving son but also an incredible loving brother to our beautiful daughters, his twin sister Mia and his little sister, Georgia. He always had their back and was fiercely loyal and kind.

A sense of shock has enveloped the world of Irish racing and its tight-knit pony racing satellite, and has rippled out into the wider community. I heard the murmur of chat on the sidelines at my own little boy's sporting activity on Monday. Hushed tones of horror, incomprehension and sympathy. I'm sure it was the same the length and breadth of Ireland, and far beyond.

Pain and sadness were etched on the faces of the jockeys who lined up in silent tribute in the parade ring at Galway on Monday afternoon.

No horses left Knockeen for the west on Monday, but you know that the life of a training stable has to go on. Horses have to be fed, watered and exercised. You can scarcely imagine the void left behind at Knockeen. This ever-active, ever-cheerful boy, taken from the midst of an environment that is both a loving, nurturing home and a bustling, thriving workplace.

Jack has lived so many more years than the thirteen – he filled every moment of his days, always busy, forever curious, grasping at life and new interests.

Jack's parents paint a vivid picture that tallies with little glimpses we have witnessed. Most poignantly now, we recall an interview with RTE's Brian Gleeson at Punchestown.

At the time, it was deeply engaging. Now it is laced with an overwhelming sense of sadness and loss.

Jack, smiling, grinning, laughing, neither shy nor over-confident, natural and down-to-earth, an unmistakably pleasant youngster, a credit to his family, talking about the brilliant Honeysuckle's little quirks and characteristics with a lively sense of humour and fun.

He had an over-brimming heart of loyalty, empathy, patience, pluck, courage, and how he made us laugh!

Jack de Bromhead: an unimaginable tragedy and inexpressible griefCredit: Healy Racing

The organisers of Irish pony racing have acted quickly and wisely in announcing the suspension of the rest of the season.

Not only right and proper as a mark of respect to Jack and his grieving family and friends, it's the most appropriate response with regard to the emotional and mental welfare of Jack's riding colleagues.

It would have been unthinkable for the sport to expect its young participants to embrace a 'show-must-go-on' mentality in the weeks ahead. It's reassuring to hear that HRI and IHRB have put counselling services in place for Jack's fellow riders and friends.

He made so many friends wherever he went and they felt his special, unique and loyal touch on their lives, too. We ask that they please celebrate and love him as we know he would have wished.

The organisers and followers of Irish pony racing are justifiably proud of the sport's significance as a pathway to the professional ranks.

At the same time, many of its volunteer organisers are motivated by the enthusiasm of their children and are keenly aware of parental responsibilities.

First and foremost, this is a family tragedy. But like any accident, it has a wider context. It raises thorny questions about how pony racing fits into the overall fabric of the Irish racing world. That is a discussion for another day, but what more fitting memorial could there be to Jack than the emergence of something that will benefit the young riders of the future?

The memory of Jack will stay with his pony racing colleagues for the rest of their lives. They will remember him with affection, yet the sense of regret and loss will never be far away when his name is mentioned. The words of his parents will forever ring true.

Jack, you will be with us always at home in your family and friends' hearts. Always present, always cherished, with so many memories from your packed, extraordinary life.

Only last Saturday morning, I had cause to remember Michael Teelin, a young rider who died half a century ago.

Teelin was a native of my hometown of Kells. From the early days of his apprenticeship with Clem Magnier, he was tipped for stardom, a brilliant natural horseman with a strength in the saddle that belied his physique. He weighed in at 6st 7lb when winning the 1968 Irish Cesarewitch on 100-1 chance Arctic Serenade.

At the end of the 1971 season, on the very day that 20-year-old Teelin was crowned apprentice champion, he suffered fatal injuries in a fall in the Leopardstown November Handicap.

The people of Kells were proud of a popular youngster who came from a family of ten. One of the most enduring memories of my childhood is of struggling to find a vantage point among the hundreds of mourners lining the streets for his funeral procession.

Teelin's sad fate came to mind after noting the name of a race title on last Saturday's Navan card, an apprentice handicap run in memory of PF "Mutt" Conlon, champion apprentice in Ireland in 1949 and 1950. In May 1952, aged 20, he was killed in a fall at Kilbeggan.

And then in the evening the desperate news emerged from Rossbeigh Strand, Jack de Bromhead's name added to a sad litany. He won't be forgotten, 50 years from now, 70 years from now, he will be remembered.

Always cherished, always loved, frozen in time with a beautiful young soul.