Michael O'Sullivan 'fighting' and 'needs a bit of luck' as horse racing icon provides health update

Michael O’Sullivan ‘fighting’ and ‘needs a bit of luck’ as horse racing icon provides health update

Posted by author February 8, 2025 Horse Racing

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Michael O’Sullivan is “fighting” and “needs a bit of luck” following a horrific fall at Thurles racecourse on Thursday.

The 25-year-old rider is currently in intensive care at Cork University Hospital after being involved in a five-horse pile-up.

Racing legend Ruby Walsh provided an update on ITV’s The Opening Show on Saturday morning, saying: “He’s in Cork University Hospital. He’s fighting, breathing, very fit, very strong and he needs a bit of luck and hopefully he gets it.”

O’Sullivan was stabilised at the track before being airlifted 74 miles to the hospital, where he remains under intensive care.

Michael O’Sullivan is “fighting” and “needs a bit of luck” following a horrific fall at Thurles racecourse on Thursday

The incident occurred during a 2pm handicap chase when O’Sullivan, riding 6-5 favourite Wee Charlie, fell at the final fence.

The fall triggered a chain reaction involving four other riders: Daniel King, Sean Flanagan, Phillip Enright and Tiernan Power Roche.

The severity of the incident led to the immediate abandonment of the remaining races at Thurles.

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All our love and prayers to Michael O’Sullivan ❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/8UmREYBtK8

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) February 8, 2025

Both King and Flanagan suffered nasty falls in the pile-up, while Enright and Power Roche were unseated from their mounts.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, Chief Medical Officer of the IHRB, issued an update on Friday morning regarding O’Sullivan’s condition.

“Michael is in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital being treated for his injuries sustained at Thurles yesterday and is receiving the best medical care,” she said.

In the same statement, Dr Pugh conveyed that “Michael’s family wish to express their gratitude for all the well wishes.”

O’Sullivan has emerged as one of racing’s rising stars, notably partnering with trainer Barry Connell to win the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle aboard Marine Nationale.

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The victory was part of a remarkable double on the day, as he also claimed the Boodles with Jazzy Matty.

Recently, O’Sullivan has been receiving high-profile rides from Willie Mullins, demonstrating his growing reputation in the sport.

Michael O’Sullivan is one of the best rising jockeys in horse racing

He started 2024 strongly, securing victory on Embassy Gardens at Tramore on New Year’s Day, a race previously won by Gold Cup champions Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo.

The talented jockey has recorded 14 winners in Ireland this season and claimed a Grade 1 victory at the 2023 Dublin Racing Festival with Good Land.