Michael O'Sullivan dies aged 24 as tributes pour in for horse racing star

Michael O’Sullivan dies aged 24 as tributes pour in for horse racing star

Posted by author February 16, 2025 Horse Racing

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Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died aged 24 following a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland.

The talented rider passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning at Cork University Hospital, where he had spent five days in intensive care after the incident on February 6.

O’Sullivan was riding 6-5 favourite Wee Charlie when he fell at the final fence of a two-mile handicap chase.

The incident involved five horses, though the other four riders were reported to be unhurt and all horses were believed to be unharmed.

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died aged 24 following a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland

The jockey was airlifted to Cork University Hospital following the fall.

O’Sullivan remained in intensive care until his passing, just five days before what would have been his 25th birthday.

In a touching gesture during this difficult time, his family made the decision to donate his organs, an act that will help save other patients’ lives.

His family expressed gratitude for the support they received from the local community and racing family.

The horse racing world has paid tribute to Michael O’Sullivan following his tragic death

O’Sullivan had established himself as a rising star in racing, achieving notable success at Cheltenham.

He secured victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle aboard Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale.

Later that same day, he completed a remarkable double by winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap on Jazzy Matty.

More recently, he had partnered with Willie Mullins, winning the New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore on Embassy Gardens.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board released a statement extending condolences to O’Sullivan’s family, friends, colleagues and the wider racing community.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB chief medical officer, praised O’Sullivan’s dedication and modesty, saying: “His success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him.”

Tributes poured in from across the racing community, with trainer Gordon Elliott sending “deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael O’Sullivan.”

Legendary trainer Tony Mullins said: “Michael was lovely person and he also had a massive talent. He will always be remembered as a winner.”

The Irish Jockeys Association remembered him as “not only a highly talented rider but also a great friend and colleague.”

As a mark of respect, fixtures at Punchestown have been cancelled.

Point-to-point meetings at Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have also been called off.

Michael O’Sullivan will be remembered as a winner following his tragic death at the age of 24

Over his past five seasons, O’Sullivan had achieved 87 wins from 1,037 rides.

His successful career had earned almost £1.5million in prize money.

These statistics underline the significant impact he had made in the sport during his short but accomplished time as a jockey.