The family of Jack de Bromhead has paid tribute to their "one-of-a-kind child".
The 13-year-old died in a horse racing accident at Glenbeigh races in Co Kerry yesterday evening.
In a statement, the family said Jack was "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. Our hearts are truly broken."
The young jockey was taking part in what is known as the flapper races on Rossbeigh beach, a popular two-day event held every year at the scenic Co Kerry location. The racing event was cancelled following the accident yesterday evening.
It is understood the accident happened during the fifth race at around 5pm yesterday. The young jockey fell from his horse as they were making a turn near the water's edge and some of the horses ended up in the water.
Local councillor Michael Cahill, who lives in Glenbeigh and whose family were attending the event, said there was widespread shock and devastation as details of the horrific accident emerged. The boy had only taken part in a similar event in Cahersiveen in Co Kerry last week.
Gardaí said emergency services responded to the incident and the teenager received treatment at the scene but was later pronounced dead.
His body was removed to University Hospital Kerry for a post mortem. Gardaí are also conducting eye witness interviews and are preparing a file for the coroner's court.
Throughout the day, people have been leaving tributes, flowers and teddies at the site on Rossbeigh Beach.
People visiting the scene this morning have left messages on beach stones, saying 'fly high Jack', 'I love you' and 'rest easy'.
Prayers were said at mass this morning at Glenbeigh church for Jack's family and friends and all who knew him in the racing community.
The de Bromhead family run their training stables at Knockeen in Co Waterford, where the current stable jockey is Rachael Blackmore.
Henry de Bromhead took over the stables from his father Harry and has been a very successful trainer and was a Grand National winner in 2021, and the winner of two Cheltenham Gold cups at the festivals there in 2021 and 2022.
Horse Racing Ireland paid tribute to the young jockey and offered condolences to his family.
Its CEO Suzanne Eade said: "Like everybody in the horse racing and pony racing community, I want to offer my deepest condolences to his parents Henry and Heather, his sisters Mia and Georgia and extended family, on the tragic loss of their beloved Jack.
"Jack may have been only 13 but he was already incredibly popular in the racing community. His family and friends, his pony racing colleagues and all those who lives he touched are in our thoughts today during this numbing, devastating tragedy."
Ms Eade added that counselling will be offered to Jack's pony racing colleagues and friends. "May he rest in peace."
