Michael O’Sullivan and Mount Time To Rocco narrowly avoid falling at the last during the BoyleSports Mares Novice Steeplechase on day one of the Fairyhouse Easter Festival at Fairyhouse Racecourse in Ratoath, Meath, on April 8, 2023
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.
Jockey Michael O’Sullivan, celebrates his second win, after winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle Chase during day one of the Cheltenham Racing Festival at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, England, on March 14, 2023
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 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.
Michael O’Sullivan celebrates on Marine Nationale after winning the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle during day one of the Cheltenham Racing Festival at Prestbury Park in Cheltenham, England, on March 14, 2023
As for his career, O’Sullivan took after his father William O’Sullivan, who is 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 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.
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.
“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,” Mullin added.
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.
O’Sullivan’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support tey have received in recent days, appreciating both the local community and the racing world for their kindness. They have also requested privacy during this difficult time.
