Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died at the age of 24 after being involved in a five-horse pile-up at Thurles Racecourse.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed the tragic news early on Sunday morning, with tributes pouring in from around the horseracing community and beyond.
O’Sullivan was one of several fallers on the final hurdle at Thurles Racecourse on February 6. He had been riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary in the two-mile handicap chase.
He received immediate medical attention at the track and was airlifted to Cork University Hospital and taken to the intensive care unit where he was placed into an induced coma.
He succumbed to his injuries over a week later. O’Sullivan was surrounded by his family as he passed away just days before his 25th birthday.
The IHRB said: “On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.
Michael O’Sullivan died at Cork University Hospital after a horror fall (Image: PA Images)
“The directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues, in the weighroom and the wider racing community at this time.”
Dr Jennifer Pugh, Chief Medical Officer of the IHRB, 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.”
Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, said: “Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom.
Michael O’Sullivan had suffered a fall at Thurles on February 6 (Image: PA Images)
“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.”
O’Sullivan was one of racing’s most highly-rated young stars. It is said that top trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott routinely checked in on his progress.
The Irishman rose to prominence in 2023 by winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. Remarkably, he rode a second winner later that day in the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
O’Sullivan hailed from a racing family. Dad William won the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in 1991. His younger brother Alan is also an amateur jockey.
