Jockey Michael O’Sullivan Dies at 24 – Details

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 him on the track at Thurles before he was airlifted to the hospital for further treatment.

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 mourn 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.”

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 to 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.

His presence brought warmth and camaraderie, making him widely respected and admired. “I think his legacy will be that he was an inspiration to a lot of the younger lads coming behind that somebody with the talent like his can, given the opportunities, rise to the top. I think that’s a brilliant legacy for him to have,” concluded Connell.

Many people, including world leaders, members of the racing world, and fans, have sent their condolences to O’Sullivan’s family and paid tribute to him.

Twenty-time champion jockey AP McCoy celebrated O’Sullivan’s short but impactful life, writing, “A dedicated and very talented young man taken far too young. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends at this heartbreaking time.”

Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin joined in mourning the jocker’s loss, saying he was “A talented rider who inspired many,” and added, “My sincere sympathies go to Michael’s family, his friends and colleagues in the racing world.”

Irish trainer Gordon Elliott also sent love and prayers to O’Sullivan’s family as they say goodbye to him. He was joined by British jockey Harry Skelton, who, saddened by O’Sullivan’s demise, said his thoughts were with his family and friends.

Irish Jockeys Association secretary Andrew Coonan said the death of O’Sullivan makes the risks jockeys face in their career a reality. He called O’Sullivan a “highly talented rider” and “a great friend and colleague.” “We are all the richer for having known him, even though his time with us was far too short,” noted Coonan.

British champion jump jockey Harry Cobden and British Horseracing Authority acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said they are absolutely devastated by the news of O’Sullivan’s death. They sent their deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Ben Pauling, a British trainer, also shared emotional words, “Just the worst news to wake up to. Quite clearly a huge talent within our sport and will be sorely missed by so many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Fly high Michael.”

O’Sullivan’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received recently, appreciating both the local community and the racing world for their kindness. They have also requested privacy during this difficult time.