LEGENDARY trainer Henry de Bromhead has snapped up a 17-year-old jockey – as he looks to fill the void at his yard left by Rachael Blackmore.
The trailblazing Grand National winner announced her shock retirement aged 35 in May this year.
Rachael Blackmore has left a huge void at Henry de Bromhead’s yard – but he is attempting to fill it with hugely promising 17-year-old jockey Conor CusackSportsfile
Cusack, left, was big mates with De Bromhead’s late son Jack
It ended an amazing and emotional partnership with De Bromhead that saw them win the world’s most famous race plus the Gold Cup.
The timing of Blackmore’s retirement meant Irish handler De Bromhead had some time to bolster his jockey ranks.
And while it seems the brilliant Darragh O’Keeffe will be his No1 for the new jumps season, De Bromhead has moved quickly to sign another rider who could flourish on the Flat.
Step forward Conor Cusack – who already has a close bond with the Waterford handler.
Cusack has banged in a quickfire double for De Bromhead this month – winning twice from two rides.
He showed superior skill in the saddle to time 9-4 Stepdance’s win just right at Limerick last Saturday.
While at Killarney on Monday he was never for catching on six-length stunner Catena Zapata in a mile contest.
De Bromhead has shown himself a top notch dual purpose trainer in recent years.
He won the Ascot Stakes at last month’s Royal Ascot with Ascending and last year bagged a £300,000 cheque with Magical Zoe’s win in the Ebor.
Cusack’s rapid rise through the ranks suggests he could be the man for the future.
And how fitting that would be, given he was friends with De Bromhead’s late son Jack.
Racing was plunged into mourning when Jack died aged 13 in September 2022.
Cusack dedicated his recent wins to Jack and thanked Henry for the chance to show what he can do.
The jockey, who was lifted off his feet by several women in celebration at Killarney, said: “Hopefully things keep going and a massive thanks to Henry who has trusted me with two nice horses.
“I’m light enough so hope to stay at this game – I’m not too fond of the table!
“It’s a great feeling.
“I was supposed to be out in Spain on holidays but the availability came up to ride this one so I said I’d book a flight home early.
“Thank God it’s worked out!”
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