Victorian horseman Greg Sugars died suddenly at 40 during a racing trip. He was found unresponsive in his hotel room outside Sydney on April 26, 2025, leaving the racing community and his family devastated by the unexpected loss.
Just a day before his passing, Sugars had traveled from Victoria to Sydney to support the horses his wife, Jess Tubbs, trained. He was staying at the Campbelltown Hotel while preparing for the weekend’s races at Menangle racetrack.
On the morning of April 26, concern grew when he did not appear to tend to the horses at a friend’s stable. After calls to his phone and room went unanswered, a local trainer gained access to his hotel room and found him deceased.
Tubbs confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media Saturday evening. Larajay Farm, the couple’s business, posted a message expressing profound grief, noting that Sugars had been excited about the trip and had spent time with the team the day before.
“With an absolutely shattered heart that doesn’t want to believe it’s possibly true, I need to share the news that Greg passed away in his sleep last night,” the statement read. The post also shared that their furry “son,” Harvey, was unaware that his father would no longer be there to attend his puppy school graduation on April 29.
Known for his fitness, dedication, and influence, Sugars was a highly respected figure in the sport. He had evolved into one of Australasia’s top big-race drivers, with his career reaching new heights through the success of the trotter Just Believe.
Over the last three years, his work with the horse, alongside Tubbs, propelled the pair onto the international stage. Their appearances included two campaigns in New Zealand and a prestigious trip to Sweden for the Elitloppet, where they were welcomed with rock star enthusiasm.
Although Just Believe didn’t win, it remained a cherished milestone for Sugars, who triumphed over 4,000 winners and amassed more than A$40 million in stakes.
In 2024, Sugars spent considerable time in New Zealand, campaigning for both Just Believe and Better Eclipse. One of his most memorable achievements came on May 24, 2024, when both horses captured the Auckland and Rowe Cups.
This dual triumph was seen as one of the greatest nights ever, securing his status as New Zealand’s favorite Australian reinsman. Those who knew him admired not only his skill but also his genuine affection for the animals.
After Just Believe’s retirement earlier this year, Sugars shared how much he missed the horse, once saying his idea of a perfect afternoon was enjoying a six-pack in the paddock beside his old mate.
His death has left many in shock, especially given his role as one of harness racing’s standout professionals. As the family processes the loss, they’ve asked for space and understanding.
Close friend and fellow horseman Joshua Dickie expressed the deep pain felt across the community. “I can’t believe it,” he said. He remembered Sugars as a talented and hardworking professional on the track, but also a fun-loving and loyal friend off the track, concluding that they would miss him.
Sugars came from a prominent racing family, following in the footsteps of his father, Ross Sugars. Together with Tubbs, who was also from a lineage of trainers, the pair became the most recognized couple in Australian harness racing.
Colleagues and fans alike saw Sugars as the embodiment of integrity, professionalism, and compassion. Dressed in his star-emblazoned driving silks, he became affectionately known as “Captain Australia.”
That’s why condolences have poured in across the racing world. On April 27, Harness Racing Victoria shared its sympathies via Instagram, “Harness Racing Victoria extends its deepest condolences to the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants following the heartbreaking news of Greg Sugars’ passing.”
Racing Queensland posted on X, “Greg will be remembered as one of the sport’s legendary trainers and drivers,” recalling his performance behind Just Believe in the 2023 Inter Dominion. SENTrack also expressed sadness, “Our thoughts are with the Sugars family, Jess Tubbs, and all fellow participants.”
On April 30, tributes continued as the Bendigo Harness Racing community held a minute of silence in his honor, shared in a video by Paul Campbell on X.
The outpouring of love and admiration is a testament to Sugars’ enduring impact and the many lives he touched on and off the track. Unfortunately, another member of the horse racing community was lost earlier this year.
As reported previously, Michael O’Sullivan died on February 16, 2025, at 24. He had been in an induced coma in intensive care at Cork University Hospital after a fall during a race earlier in the month.
Michael O’Sullivan and Mount Time To Rocco narrowly avoid falling at the last during the BoyleSports Mares Novice Steeplechase on day one of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath, Meath, on April 8, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The incident that ultimately led to his death occurred at Thurles in the Republic of Ireland on February 6. O’Sullivan was aboard Wee Charlie for Gerard O’Leary when he became one of three riders to fall at the final fence during the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase.
Medical teams attended to the Irish jockey on the track at Thurles before he was airlifted to the hospital for further treatment.
Jockey Michael O’Sullivan, celebrates his second win, after winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Chase during day one of the Cheltenham Racing Festival at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, England, on March 14, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Now, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed his passing and sent their condolences to O’Sullivan’s family, partner, friends, colleagues in the weighroom, and the wider racing community, who are mourning him.
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.”
Pugh noted that O’Sullivan’s family chose to donate his organs even as they mourned him. He praised their decision, adding that the organ donation would make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.
Pugh then reflected on O’Sullivan’s career, highlighting his dedication, humility, and kind nature, which made him a respected and well-liked figure in the racing community.
Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, also praised O’Sullivan, “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.”
Michael O’Sullivan celebrates on Marine Nationale after winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle during day one of the Cheltenham Racing Festival at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, England, on March 14, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
As for his career, O’Sullivan took after his father, William O’Sullivan, known for riding Lovely Citizen to victory in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in 1991. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin, but knew racing was his path.
The jockey started racing at “between the flags” and secured his first victory under the rules in 2018. His uncle Eugene O’Sullivan, who is Lovely Citizen’s trainer, helped him with this first win under rules on Wilcosdiana by 47 lengths in the Jack Tyner Memorial Hunters Steeplechase at Cork in 2018.
O’Sullivan was then crowned champion novice rider in 2019 before transitioning to the professional ranks in September 2022.
His breakthrough moment came the following year at the Cheltenham Festival. He made a remarkable impact on the opening day by winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Marine Nationale and later claiming the Fred Winter with Jazzy Matty.
His success also earned him the title of champion conditional in Ireland. Over his career, he rode 95 winners across Ireland and Britain, with 14 victories in Ireland and two in Britain during the current season.
In his most recent wins, O’Sullivan celebrated a significant victory with Embassy Gardens, trained by Willie Mullins, at Tramore on New Year’s Day. His final day of racing saw him secure a second-place finish aboard Westport Cove, also for Mullins, at Thurles.
Mullins said the team at Closutton deeply valued O’Sullivan’s presence, where his natural talent, humility, and strong connection with horses stood out. His contributions were expected to grow even further, making his loss profoundly felt.
“He will be much missed here and there is a real sadness here. He was here two mornings a week and was very much a part of the team and his part here was only going to get bigger. He was such a natural rider who was very modest, friendly and understated,” Mullins added.
Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, expressed the deep shock felt across the racing community following O’Sullivan’s passing.
Connell, who helped O’Sullivan transition to a professional jockey, noted that he was recognized as a rising star in the sport and had formed a strong connection with those he worked with.
Marine Nationale and Michael O’Sullivan make their way back in through the crowds after winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse, on March 14, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
