Michael O'Sullivan dies after fall at Thurles
Michael O’Sullivan onboard Marine Nationale celebrates after wining the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023 Photo: ©INPHO/Tom Maher
The IHRB have announced the tragic death of Michael O’Sullivan, just five days short of his 25th birthday.
O’Sullivan fell at the final fence at Thurles on 6 February and was airlifted to Cork University Hospital where he has been in intensive care since.
Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB, said: “Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital.
“We extend our appreciation to the multidisciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital. “Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Michael through his amateur and professional career and his dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around. Michael’s success and humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him.
“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.” Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB: “Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“Our hearts go out to Michael’s family, especially his parents Bernadette and William, and his brother Alan, who will feel his loss most keenly.” Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said, “My HRI colleagues and I share in the sadness of everyone at this morning’s news of the passing of Michael O'Sullivan.
“Everyone’s thoughts are with Michael’s parents William and Bernadette, his brother Alan, his wider family and with his many friends and colleagues. To them all, we offer our sincerest condolences.
“Coming from a background steeped in racing, Michael made his start in the point-to-point field while a secondary school student and he made his name on the racecourse with a university degree under his belt. A champion under-21 point-to-point rider, Michael began the 2022/2023 season as a 7lbs claiming amateur and ended the term as our champion conditional jockey with three Grade 1 winners to his name.
“Michael’s talent shone through for big-race success on National Hunt racing’s greatest stages. Michael was a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and everyone can be proud of his many achievements, both on and off the racecourse.
“Michael will be much missed and he will be widely mourned. May he rest in peace.” As a mark of respect, today’s fixture at Punchestown, and point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely have been cancelled.
O’Sullivan was regarded as one of the best up and coming jockeys in the country and enjoyed his biggest success at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival when he won the Supreme Novices Hurdle on Marine Nationale, and he regularly rode for Carlow based trainer Willie Mullins.
From just outside Mallow in Cork, O’Sullivan’s family are immersed in racing. His father William and sister Maxine both rode winners at the Cheltenham Festival on horses bred by his uncle Eugene.
His tragic death will be felt by all who knew him and throughout the world of racing.
