Cheltenham race renamed in memory of Cork jockey Michael O'Sullivan

North Cork jockey Michael O’Sullivan will be honoured at the Cheltenham Festival with the opening race on Tuesday week, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, to be run in his memory.

The young Lombardstown jockey enjoyed his best day in the saddle when winning that race aboard Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale in 2023.

That was the first leg of a memorable double on a red-letter day for the rising star. He went on to land the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle on Gordon Elliott’s Jazzy Matty for Caldwell Construction later in the afternoon.

Michael O’Sullivan suffered a horrific fall at Thurles in early February. He spent 10 days in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital. It was announced last Sunday week that he had died from his injuries at the age of 24.

His loss has left the tightly knit racing community in a period of shock, deep mourning and ongoing sadness. He remains very much in the thoughts of Irish racegoers, as do his heartbroken family. 

The Supreme Novice Hurdle is sponsored by Sky Bet, who in conjunction with the Jockey Club have renamed the race The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle for 2025.

The O’Sullivan family issued a statement. 

"We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing. Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.

"As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way. 

The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives."

The statement went on to thank the sponsors and the jockey club. 

“We would like to sincerely thank the Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.” 

OUTSTANDING

Guy Lavender, the CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, added: “Michael was an outstanding jockey and recognised by everyone as a wonderful young man.

“When you read the heartfelt tributes paid to him over these past days, you can see how highly regarded he was in the racing community on both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.

"Given that it was at Cheltenham that Michael enjoyed his biggest success as a rider back on that magical Tuesday afternoon in 2023, we felt it was only right to pay tribute to Michael in this way. Our sincere thanks go to our sponsors of this race, Sky Bet, for making it possible. 

"All our thoughts continue to be with Michael’s family, friends and weighing-room colleagues at this difficult time and for allowing us to pay tribute in this way.”