Jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who won the Cheltenham festival, passed away after being injured in a fall at Thurles on February 6th, after being announced by the Irish Horse Racing Regulation Board (IHRB).
He was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerald O’Leary and was once again one of the three waterfalls at the final fence in the Handicap Chase on February 20th in the two-mile race.
The remaining meetings were abandoned to allow an ambulance to arrive and take O’Sullivan to the hospital, and later confirmed he was undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital.
In a statement Sunday morning, the IHRB said:
“The IHRB director and staff want to express sincere pacity to Michael’s family, partners, friends, the measuring room and colleagues in the larger racing community at this point.”
O’Sullivan, widely considered one of the rising stars in the heavy room, won the Marine National at the best beginner hurdle held in Cheltenham in 2023, and Jazzy Mati and Boodle’s Juvenile Handy at the same meeting last year He scored in the cap hurdle.
He rode 90 winners in the Irish jump and five winners in the UK from over 1,000 career rides.
“Michael sadly passed away early Sunday morning surrounded by her beloved family at Cork University Hospital,” said Dr. Jennifer Pugh, IHRB chief medical officer.
“We are broadening our appreciation to the interdisciplinary teams who provided the best medical care to Michael both at the racetrack and at Cork University Hospital.
“Michael’s family has made the decision to donate organs during this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so they have made the choice to make a huge difference in the lives of other patients and their families.
“I had the privilege of knowing Michael throughout his amateur and professional career, and his dedication, humility and kindness have always pleased him around.
“Michael’s success and his humility have affected many people and I share the sense of loss today with all those who know him.”
Many members of the racing community said, including British champion Jockey Harry Cobden, “Absolutely devastating news about Michael O’Sullivan. I’ll send my deep sadness to my family and friends.”
Harry Skeleton of X added: “Absolutely devastating news to hear Michael O’Sullivan passed away. My thoughts are with his family, friends. His pegs now sit empty for all the wrong reasons, I’m thinking about all the measuring chambers in Ireland.”
“I am heartbroken to hear of Michael’s passing. It was a special day when he won a freshman at Fairy House. His family was a special day,” said Peter Law, general manager of Fairy House Racecourse. , his friend, in our industry.
The Sunday meeting in Panchestown and Irish point-to-point fixtures at Noconard, Nena and Tina Harry were all cancelled as marks of respect for Michael.
