HARRY de Bromhead’s talents as a racehorse trainer and his wonderful sense of humour were remembered by friends this week following news that the Co Waterford man had passed away at the age of 86.

His big race victories included the 1992 Thyestes Chase with Grand Habit and the 1996 Kerry National with Bishops Hall. In 1993 he saddled Fissure Seal to win both the American Express Gold Card Final at Cheltenham and the equivalent of the Punchestown Gold Cup.

On New Year’s Day 2000 he handed over his Knockeen yard to son Henry, whose first runner was a winner at Tramore on that day. He continued to follow the sport closely in his retirement and took great pride in the astonishing achievements of Henry, Heather and the team.

John Kiely, who trains half an hour’s drive from Knockeen in Dungarvan, said: “Harry and I had some great days riding together, and my brother Paddy rode a lot for him too. I can clearly remember one day in Fairyhouse in 1977 when Harry and myself were going along in front. Harry’s mount was feeling the pinch, so he turned to me and said: “Do you think we’re going a bit too fast?”

Kiely continued: “We were great friends and he trained very well. He was a great supporter of local people and was also a shareholder in Tramore Racecourse.”

Tramore Racecourse chairman Karl Casey said: “I’ve known Harry all my life and he has always been a great supporter of the track. I had my first horse in training with him almost 50 years ago and he was a very good trainer, especially with young mares. His Cheltenham winner will never be forgotten as it was the same year Pat Flynn’s Montelado won the Supreme and Shuil Ar Aghaidh won the Stayers’ Hurdle for Paddy Kiely. It was called the Waterford Treble.

“Harry was a very keen golfer too and he was the heart and soul of our golf trips to Spain before Covid.”

During Covid, Harry de Bromhead penned a series of entertaining articles for The Irish Field, telling stories of races won with old favourites Ransom, Banswara, Meadowlake and Easter Hill.

Following a short illness, Harry de Bromhead died peacefully on Wednesday in Ardkeen Hospital in Waterford. He is survived by his wife Sally, and their children Susannah, Kate, Henry and Guy.

The deceased is reposing for family and friends at St Andrew’s Church, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford from 6pm to 8pm on Sunday, followed by service of Compline. His funeral is private.