Racing world mourns death of brilliant Cork jockey Michael O’Sullivan 

The racing world is in mourning following the passing of Cork jockey Michael O’Sullivan.

The sad news was conveyed by Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board who released the following statement on behalf of the family on Sunday morning. “On behalf of the O’Sullivan family it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.” 

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider had been in intensive care at Cork University Hospital with his family by his bedside after his horrific fall at Thurles ten days ago. The O’Sullivan family is steeped in the national hunt game with the family twice enjoying success in the Hunters Chase at the Cheltenham Festival with Lovely Citizen in 1991 and It Came To Pass in 2020. 

But those memorable victories were eclipsed by a stunning double by Michael on the opening day at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.

From a family like his, there was no surprise to see Micheal O’Sullivan arrive at the top table of national hunt racing with brilliance in the saddle. In a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon, the Lombardstown rider won the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival when Marine Nationale under an ice-cool ride from O’Sullivan stormed to Grade 1 glory. 

It was an extraordinary performance as the young rider had only ever ridden once at the home of jumps racing. 

He then completed a dream afternoon by winning the Boodles Juvenile Handicap aboard Jazzy Matty for Gordon Elliot. A star was born.

Michael O’Sullivan was destined for greatness and was attached to the Willie Mullins yard. He followed a familiar pathway established by many great riders from north Cork. He began riding ponies as a kid with the Duhallow Hunt pony club as well as hunting. He also enjoyed show jumping and eventing including dressage. 

He travelled the country showjumping with his father William later acknowledging the great sacrifices his parents made for him in pursuit of greatness. For a family steeped in the grassroots of the sport, Michael O’Sullivan found his pathway to the promised land on the point-to-point circuit and was crowned champion novice rider in 2019. 

Fittingly he rode his first winner inside the rails aboard Wilcosdiana for Tony Wilson at his local track at Mallow. 

He rode 95 winners in total across Ireland and Britain and would have celebrated his 25th birthday this coming Friday. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the O’Sullivan family.

RENOWNED

Michael O'Sullivan comes from a renowned pointing family, with his father William a former amateur rider, uncle Eugene, a Champion Handler, cousin Maxine a Cheltenham Festival winner, while his younger brother Alan has also joined the riding rank. 

Having made an immediate impact on his first full season in the saddle, winning aboard A Decent Excuse on the first day of the 2017-'18 season, a further four winners followed while also studying for his Leaving Certificate.

A year later and the UCD student was crowned Champion U21 rider with a personal best 16 wins. In September 2022, O'Sullivan joined the professional ranks.