This year’s Leopardstown Christmas hurdle will be named after Jack de Bromhead who tragically died earlier this year.

It is the second race to be named after the 13-year-old son of leading trainer Henry de Bromhead after he died in a "freak accident” during a pony race in Kerry.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Maher’s Novices Hurdles Cheltenham would be named in his honour.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Henry de Bromhead said the gesture means a lot to his family.

“Very much so,” he said. “It is really kind.”

“Michael [O’Leary] suggested it around the time of Jack’s funeral and we were blown away by the gesture.

“I suppose every bit of support you get gives you great strength. Jacksy would love to have been over there at it and look, it is amazing.”

Mourners gather for the funeral for Jack de Bromhead at The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Butlerstown, 07-09-2022.

He said an Irish festival would also be honouring his young son this year – with racing lovers at Leopardstown set to enjoy the Jack de Bromhead Christmas Hurdle on December 28th.

He thanked people all over the country for their support in the weeks since the tragedy.

“The support we have gotten from everybody is just unbelievable and this is a good opportunity to thank everyone,” he said. “We’re still opening cards and letters from people.”

“Obviously, this is everyone’s worst nightmare but we feel incredibly fortunate because these really kind gestures are great support for us and they offer something for us to look forward to.”

Gold Cup-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore arrives for the funeral, 07-09-2022. Image: PA Images / Alamy

De Bromhead said there are families all over Ireland who are going through similar tragedies without getting the support his family is getting.

“Just to know everyone is behind you like that is just amazing,” he said.

“Obviously, it is an incredibly tough time but every little bit of support you get gives you a little bit more strength.”

He said his family is “as good as we can be” two months on from the accident, noting that, “we wouldn’t be this good if it wasn’t for all the support we’re getting from everyone”.

“It is unreal and I would really like to thank everyone on behalf of my family for their support,” he said.

The Cheltenham race is being renamed in Jack’s honour through sponsor Michael O’Leary.

The Leopardstown race is being renamed by sponsor Dornan Engineering and its CEO Brian Acheson.