Horse racing mourns the tragic death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan

An air of immeasurable sadness has gripped the racing community and beyond following the news of the tragic death of talented National Hunt jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who died nine days after a fall at Thurles racecourse.

Michael passed away at University Hospital Cork just five days shy of his 25th birthday after suffering head injuries in a last fence fall on favourite Wee Charlie in a handicap Chase at the Tipperary track on February 6.

A native of Lombardstown in County Cork, O’Sullivan rode a double at Tramore’s New Year’s Day meeting including the Grade 3 feature – the O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey Chase aboard the Willie Mullins’ trained Embassy Gardens before winning on the Ted Walsh trained Be Fierce in the penultimate race.

As the racing fraternity comes to terms with this heartbreaking news, Tramore racecourse issued a statement where they described Michael as a “wonderful talented young jockey”.

“Michael O’Sullivan was a wonderfully talented young jockey. The board and management of Tramore racecourse wish to extend their deepest sympathies to Michael’s family, friends, and racing community.” Many tributes have been paid to the 24-year-old, who was a Cheltenham Festival winner, with racing called off at Punchestown on Sunday as a mark of respect. 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.”