Thomas Almack and his mount, Helmund, were instantaneously killed when coming down at the last fence (in fact, a gorse hurdle) in the Ormonde Steeplechase at Kilkenny (Danesfort) on October 23, 1884.
This brought to a total of four the number of jockeys killed in Ireland that summer, the three others being Mr E. Harty, riding Catecha at Ballyanders; Thomas Kelly, riding Citron at Baldoyle; and young Cahill, riding Lady Sylvia at Tramore Races.
Helmund was already beaten when falling, breaking both his own neck and that of his ill-fated jockey.
Thomas, riding for Captain Joy, was 26 years old, and left a wife and two children wholly unprovided for.Â
