Michael O’Sullivan, who was seriously injured in a fall at Thurles on February 6, died on Sunday morning. He was 24.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) expressed “profound sadness” when releasing a statement on behalf of the O’Sullivan family to confirm the passing of the Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey. 

“The Directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues in the weigh-room and the wider racing community at this time,” it read. 

The IHRB’s chief medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh 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 his 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 was riding Wee Charlie for Gerard O’Leary and was one of three fallers at the last fence in the two-mile handicap chase at Thurles ten days ago. The rest of that day’s race meeting was abandoned as O’Sullivan was airlifted to Cork University Hospital where he remained in intensive care.

Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, said, “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.”

The highlights of O’Sullivan’s tragically short but successful career in the saddle include riding two winners at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, led by Marine Nationale (Ire) in the G1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He rode 95 winners in Ireland and Britain with his most recent big-race success coming just last month when he partnered the Willie Mullins-trained Embassy Gardens (Ire) to win the G3 O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore.

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), also paid tribute to O’Sullivan on Sunday morning. She 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 to Michael, the fixture at Punchestown today (Sunday) and the Point to Point fixtures Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled.