MICHAEL O’Sullivan, the 25-year-old National Hunt jockey, has died.
The heartbreaking news arrived at 7am on Sunday through a statement issued on behalf of the O'Sullivan family by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.
His untimely death follows a tragic last-fence fall at Thurles Racecourse on Thursday, February 6th. The incident led to O’Sullivan being airlifted to Cork University Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
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.”
As a mark of respect to Michael, the fixture at Punchestown today and the point-to-point fixtures Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled.
I was shocked when i switched on the tv and the first thing i saw was a picture of Michael. I suspected what had happened.
Best wishes to all who knew him and his family.
very sad news.I was shocked when i switched on the tv and the first thing i saw was a picture of Michael. I suspected what had happened.Best wishes to all who knew him and his family.
That's awful news and so young, just at the beginning of a potentially wonderful career. So very sad to read this, sincere condolences to his loved ones, RIP Michael. Sadly and inevitably as long as people want to ride horses there will always be tragic accidents whether in a race or in a field or on a road.
That's awful news and so young, just at the beginning of a potentially wonderful career. So very sad to read this, sincere condolences to his loved ones, RIP Michael. Sadly and inevitably as long as people want to ride horses there will always be tr
Really sad news! The poster Nocturnal spotted him and tipped me off about how talented he was. I'm sure he won't mind me posting part of the message I sent him discussing Michael
From Whippin Piccadilly on Mar 16, 03:37PM: Good day Steve,
I hope you're knocking in the winners? I see the young lad you gave a mention who rode Marine National also got that Elliot horse you mentioned home too. I thought he outrode Townsend in the Supreme. He looks a real find. One of the new boys put up his other winner up at a big price. So we've all become big fans of the kid :)
A very sad day
Really sad news! The poster Nocturnal spotted him and tipped me off about how talented he was. I'm sure he won't mind me posting part of the message I sent him discussing MichaelFrom Whippin Piccadilly on Mar 16, 03:37PM:Good day Steve,I hope you're
The opening race of this year's Cheltenham Festival has been renamed in honour of Michael O'Sullivan's after the young jockey's tragic death this month. The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be the curtain-raiser to the opening day of the Festival on Tuesday, 11 March.
Thanks ashleigh , nice touchThe opening race of this year's Cheltenham Festival has been renamed in honour of Michael O'Sullivan's after the young jockey's tragic death this month.The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle will be the curtain
If he was looking down he would have been pulling Marine Nationale up the run in alright, but he just may have at least tripped up O'Connell on the walk back in.
If he was looking down he would have been pulling Marine Nationale up the run in alright, but he just may have at least tripped up O'Connell on the walk back in.