5 minute read
Racing Mourns
THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT that the past month has been tinged with sadness on both sides of the Irish Sea. Such were the magnitude of those losses that the grief has not only been felt in our own bloodstock and racing communities, but also resonated with the wider public around the world.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the death of young Jack de Bromhead, son of Henry and Heather de Bromhead and brother to Mia and Georgia, was a huge shock to the horse world.
As the news of the accident spread to the wider public and the stories of what an incredible young man Jack was, the shock and sadness spread far and wide.
Jack was not only an incredibly talented young horseman, but was also adroit at most anything he turned his mind to – be it surfing, driving, tractors, rugby, gaelic sport, farming or just general mischief. His sisters, his twin Mia and Georgia, were devoted to him and his biggest fans; they spoke beautifully of their love for him, as did his parents and his father who gave the most beautiful message beseeching people that “whomever you love, make sure you tell them”.
He was a “one-of-a-kind” child who touched all our lives in the best way possible. I am sure that I can speak for any of the hundreds and hundreds of adults and children from all aspects of his life who were at his funeral, celebrating his extraordinary life, when I say that he will be forever held dear in our hearts.
The deepest sympathies are extended to all of his family and friends and anyone who knew him.
In stark contrast to the passing of a child, there was the sad passing of an incredible matriarch and monarch with the loss of HRH Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96.
The Queen was a huge supporter of all aspects of equestrian sport and especially of horseracing, which she loved with a passion. She will be a huge loss not only to the Commonwealth and her family, but also to those who love horses and horseracing. Many people will fondly remember Her Majesty delightedly celebrating the victory of Estimate at Royal Ascot, her sheer enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. Such was her love of horses that she continued to ride and go racing well into her 90s.
She was an inspiration not just as a leader but as a woman and a breeder and racehorse owner, for her passion and dedication to her sport.
No more fitting a tribute was seen than her famous silks being carried up Warren Hill at the Newmarket Open Day by riders on two of her own horses trained in the town. The entire Commonwealth and horseracing community mourns the loss of an incredible monarch. Only two days following on from Her Majesty’s passing, Irish racing lost another incredible matriarch with the sad death of Mrs Evie (Magnier) Stockwell.
Incredibly, she was two years’ older than The Queen at 98, and passed away only a month after the death of her twin sister Mimi, Lady Manton.
Anyone who is familiar with top-class racing fillies would most certainly be familiar with the famous colours of pale blue and brown cross belts that were carried by so many superstars such as Lahinch, Brave Anna and Fairyland.
She was also a wonderful breeder of horses and a formidable opponent on the golf course – which is where her colt Hit It A Bomb earned his name.
MOST FAMOUSLY Mrs Stockwell is known as the mother and grandmother and indeed great grandmother of an incredible legacy of horsemen and women through her sons John Magnier of Coolmore Stud, Peter Magnier of Brittas House Stud, who sadly predeceased her, David Magnier of Grange Stud, and her devoted daughter Anne O’Callaghan of Tally-Ho Stud.
Evie Stockwell was an inspirational woman who had a kind word for everyone she met and a huge interest in how all of her horses were cared for.
he was an unstoppable force who continued to drive well into her 90s and who was passionate about following her horses and her family in their many successes. Our deepest condolences to all her family and many friends – we may not see her like again.
It is a wonderful characteristic of our industry that, when faced with challenges, we all pull together and support each other in our difficulties and our grief. While this has been a time of great mourning it has been also wonderful to see the support and care and respect given to those that we have lost and to those who have lost them.
We can only hope going forward for better times ahead and as we face into the yearling sales, wish success and good luck to both the buyers and sellers alike in their endeavours.
