Michael O’Sullivan, the Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey, has died from head injuries sustained in a horror last-fence fall at Thurles eight days ago.
O’Sullivan had been in an induced coma in an intensive care unit in Cork since his fall in a two-mile handicap chase. His death in the early hours of Sunday came five days shy of his 25th birthday.
Racing will be sent reeling by the loss of one of its brightest young talents who guided Marine Nationale to Supreme Novices’ Hurdle glory at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. That was one of three Grade 1 winners he rode after turning professional in the autumn of 2022.
O’Sullivan never regained consciousness after his fall. The Irishman died surrounded by his family.
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 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, who rode for Barry Connell until November, had since been plying his trade in the freelance ranks. The young talent, from Lombardstown near Mallow in north County Cork, had attained an Agricultural Science degree at University College Dublin before devoting himself to riding.
Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, said: “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.”
O’Sullivan is the first jockey to die following a fall at an Irish track since Jack Tyner in 2011. As a mark of respect, Sunday’s meeting at Punchestown has been cancelled along with the point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely.
