Jockey Michael O’Sullivan dead at 24: Two-time Cheltenham Festival winner passes away after falling during a race
Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died aged 24 from injuries he suffered after falling during a race at Thurles earlier this month, it has been announced.
O’Sullivan, a two-time winner at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023, was riding Wee Charlie when he fell at the final fence in the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase and was rushed to Cork University Hospital by air ambulance.
He was placed in intensive care and remained there in an induced coma before tragically passing away surrounded by family just days before his 25th birthday.
The International Horse Racing Board (IHRB) confirmed the news on Sunday morning.
A statement read: ‘On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.
‘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.’
The five-horse pile-up saw two other jockeys, Daniel King and Sean Flanagan, fall while Phillip Enright and Tiernan Power Roche were also thrown to the ground.
The meeting was abandoned in the aftermath of the horror incident.
O’Sullivan was stablised after receiving urgent medical attention on the track before being flown 74 miles to the hospital, where he never regained consciousness.
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.’
O’Sullivan won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham on Marine Nationale and also triumphed aboard Jazzy Matty in the Fred Winter.
He had ridden 14 winners in Ireland and two in Britain this season.
