The Irish racing community is mourning the loss of Michael O’Sullivan, a 24-year-old Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey, who tragically passed away following a fall at Thurles on February 6th.
O’Sullivan was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary in the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase when he was one of three jockeys to fall at the final fence. He was treated on the track before being airlifted to Cork University Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma in intensive care.
In a statement, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Pugh confirmed his passing in the early hours of Sunday morning, surrounded by family.
“Michael’s family would like to reiterate their gratefulness for all the support they have received in the last couple of days and express their appreciation to the local community and racing family. The O’Sullivan family have asked for privacy at this time,” the statement read.
O’Sullivan, who turned professional in September 2022, was regarded as a rising star, riding 95 winners across Britain and Ireland, including Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty to victory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
As a mark of respect, Sunday’s racing at Punchestown and Irish Point-to-Point fixtures in Knockanard, Nenagh, and Tinahely have been cancelled.
