The Cork rider suffered fatal head injuries after a final-fence fall from Wee Charlie in a handicap chase at the Tipperary track on February 6 with the remainder of the card abandoned before he was later airlifted to Cork University Hospital.

O’Sullivan, who was set to turn to 25 next Friday, remained at CUH since then before sadly passing away in the early hours of this morning surrounded by his family.

“Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital,” Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh said.

“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.”

O’Sullivan shot to fame when steering the Barry Connell-trained Marine Nationale to success in the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before quickly doubling his Festival tally later that same day when steering the Gordon Elliott-trained Jazzy Matty home in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

It was his association with Connell, which yielded three Grade One triumphs, that encouraged O’Sullivan to enter the professional ranks and they enjoyed a fruitful time together before parting ways last November.

The charismatic O’Sullivan, who was crowned 2023 champion conditional rider, had been busy as a freelance in recent months and was fast becoming an important part of Willie Mullins’ star-studded team having steered Embassy Gardens to Grade Three success at Tramore on New Year’s Day.

The Lombardstown native was a relatively late arrival to the paid ranks having first bagged an Agricultural Science degree from UCD before following his father William, who won the 1991 Foxhunters’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, into the saddle.

His untimely death will hit the racing world hard and Sunday’s scheduled jumps meeting at Punchestown has been cancelled as a mark of respect along with point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely.

“Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weigh room,” IHRB CEO Darragh O’Loughlin said.

“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.”

Today’s News in 90 seconds – 16th February 2025

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said: “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.”