Tributes are flooding in from the world of horse racing and sport this morning for Michael O'Sullivan, who has died as a result of the injuries he suffered in a fall in Thurles last week.
The 24-year-old's tragic passing was announced in a statement by the Irish Horsracing Regulatory Board (IHRB).
Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer with the IHRB, said in the statement:
"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 was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O'Leary on February 6th at the Tipperary track and fell at the final fence in the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase.
The rest of the meeting was abandoned on the day as the air ambulance took O'Sullivan to hospital, where he was treated in intensive care at Cork University Hospital.
Tributes flood in for Michael O'Sullivan
Since the heartbreaking news was announced this morning, tributes have been pouring in for O'Sullivan.
Horse racing pundit Kevin Blake wrote on X: "How utterly cruel life can be. It is hard to comprehend what Michael’s family, friends and colleagues are going through. RIP Michael O'Sullivan."
How utterly cruel life can be. It is hard to comprehend what Michael’s family, friends and colleagues are going through.
RIP Michael O’Sullivan. 😔 pic.twitter.com/OYbqYZaxMN— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) February 16, 2025
Retired jockey Paddy Brennan from Galway said: "Michael O’Sullivan god bless you always. You left us far too soon. On the 6th of February at 2pm Michael left the weighting room in Thurles to ride Wee Charlie in a Handicap Chase. You were a hero, extremely intelligent and a beautiful young man. RIP."
Trainer Gordan Elliot also paid tribute to O'Sullivan.
Sending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael O’Sullivan.
Rest in peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Xi84IKokOU— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) February 16, 2025
Michael O'Sullivan began his career on the Point-to-Point circuit and was crowned champion U-21 rider in 2019.
He turned professional in 2022 and had significant success, including a double win at Cheltenham the following year aboard Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and aboard Gordon Elliott's Jazzy Matty in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Five from five!
Marine Nationale strikes for Barry Connell and @Michael_OSull in the Sky Bet Supreme - and what a performance in the Festival curtain-raiser 🇮🇪#CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/he9j9OBhQH— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 14, 2023
O'Sullivan rode 90 winners in Ireland and five in Britain under rules.
Racing today at Punchestown and the Point-to-Point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely have been cancelled.
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