Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan has passed away at the age of 24 from injuries sustained in a fall during a race 10 days ago, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed on Sunday in a statement.
“Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital,” Dr. Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB.
“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 success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him,” Dr. Pugh said.
O’Sullivan was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary when he was involved in a fall at the final fence during a race at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland on February 6. He was one of three jockeys who fell in the incident. After receiving treatment on the track, he was airlifted to the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital per CNN.
Michael O’Sullivan was a distinguished Irish jockey, celebrated for his remarkable achievements both on and off the racetrack. Born on February 21, 2000, in Lombardstown, County Cork, he hailed from a family deeply rooted in National Hunt racing. His father, William, secured victory in the 1991 Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham, riding a horse owned by Michael’s grandfather, Owen, and trained by his uncle, Eugene. His cousin, Maxine, also achieved success at the Cheltenham Festival.
Before becoming a professional riding career, O’Sullivan demonstrated academic excellence by earning a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin. Fluent in French, he was known for his intellectual versatility.
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O’Sullivan began his riding journey on the point-to-point circuit. In 2018, he secured his first victory under rules at Cork, guiding Wilcosdiana to a commanding 47-length win in a hunter chase. His exceptional talent earned him the title of champion under-21 rider in 2019. Recognizing his potential, he turned professional in September 2022.
His professional career was marked by significant accomplishments. Partnering with owner-trainer Barry Connell, O’Sullivan achieved notable successes, including victories in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse and the prestigious Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
Rest in Peace.
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