In addition to his remarkable training skills, de Bromhead was also known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He gained prominence by establishing the renowned Knockeen stables on the outskirts of Waterford city, where he orchestrated numerous major race triumphs. 

Notable among his achievements was winning the Thyestes Chase with Grand Habit ridden by Jason Titley in 1992 and securing a high-class renewal of the Kerry National in 1996 with Bishops Hall under Franny Woods.

However, the pinnacle of his career came in 1993 at Cheltenham when he achieved his most celebrated success, guiding Fissure Seal to victory in the American Express Gold Card Final, now known as the Pertemps, with Charlie Swan as the rider. 

Remarkably, he followed this with a double win in what is now the Punchestown Gold Cup, a little over a month later. On that memorable day, with Graham Bradley in the saddle, Fissure Seal engaged in a thrilling battle with Son Of War, the subsequent year's Irish Grand National hero, and emerged triumphant by a head.

Swan offered a heartfelt homage to De Bromhead

Swan paid a touching tribute to De Bromhead, saying: "Harry was such a lovely man, a real gentleman. There was never a cross word said about Harry over the years. Everybody liked him. He had his own way of training but he certainly knew what he was doing.

"We had some great times together, especially with horses like Bishops Hall and Fissure Seal. They were two very good horses and he got the best out of them. They won plenty of races."

Reflecting on Fissure Seal's victory at the Cheltenham Festival, where he was one of six winners for Ireland that year, Swan said: "I can remember it very well. There was a bit of trouble down the back straight and I sneaked up the inner and had to barge my way out. I got away with murder that day! I actually got there too soon on him in the end, but he won well. He was a very good horse on his day."

In 2000, De Bromhead handed over the management of Knockeen to his son Henry. Under Henry's leadership, the stable has soared to remarkable heights in the world of horse racing, achieving extraordinary success. Among their impressive victories, they clinched the 2021 Grand National at Aintree with Minella Times ridden by Rachael Blackmore. 

Moreover, they secured two Gold Cups, one with Minella Indo in 2021 and another with A Plus Tard in 2022. The stable also claimed victory in two Champion Hurdles, both in 2021 and 2022, with the talented Honeysuckle. Additionally, they achieved three Champion Chases, thanks to the outstanding performances of Sizing Europe in 2011, Special Tiara in 2017, and Put The Kettle On in 2021.

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