Champion jockey dead at age 24 after tragic racing incident

The horse racing word is in mourning after the death of a champion jockey following a five-horse “pile up”. WARNING: Distressing images.

WARNING: Distressing images.

The racing world is in mourning after the tragic death of champion jockey Michael O’Sullivan on Sunday.

The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider dies aged 24 — 10 days after a horrific racing incident shocked viewers on February 6.

O’Sullivan and eight-year-old gelding Wee Charlie took a sickening fall when clearing the final fence as part of a five-horse pile-up at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland, The Sun reports.

The talented hoop fell during a 3.2km handicapped jumps race, the second race of the day.

The late jockey - remembered as a ‘beautiful person’ by iconic former rider and close family friend Barry Geraghty - was airlifted to the Cork University Hospital after the incident, which involved five horses.

The other four riders were all reported to be unhurt and the horses are all believed to be OK.

O’Sullivan remained in intensive care until it was announced, to the shock of the racing world, that he had died in the early hours of Sunday morning, five days shy of his 25th birthday.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board released a statement sending condolences to his family.

It said: “On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.

“The directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues, in the weighroom and the wider racing community at this time.”

Michael O'Sullivan riding Marine Nationale celebrate winning The Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB also released a statement in which she spoke highly of the jockey.

She 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.”

Tributes have flooded social media for the 2023 Supreme-winning jockey.

Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott wrote: “Sending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael O’Sullivan. Rest in peace.”

Renowned pundit Kevin Blake posted: “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.”

Michael O'Sullivan died 10 days after the fall. Photo: A Crowshurst, Getty Images and YouTube.

Legendary trainer Tony Mullins said: “Michael was lovely person and he also had a massive talent. He will always be remembered as a winner. RIP.”

While Sun Racing columnist Ben Pauling said on X: “Just the worst news to wake up to. Quite clearly a huge talent within our sport and will be sorely missed by so many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Fly high Michael.”

A fan wrote: “The news about Michael O’Sullivan is truly heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

A second commented: “Truly heartbreaking news.”

A statement from the Irish Jockeys Association read: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, Michael.

“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his father, William, his mother, Bernadette, his brother, Alan and girlfriend, Charlotte.

“Jockeys face the risks of race riding every day, but it is only when a tragedy like this befalls us that those full risks are truly realised.

“Michael was not only a highly talented rider but also a great friend and colleague to many in the weighroom.

“We are all the richer for having known him, even though his time with us was far too short. May Michael Rest in Peace.”

Fixtures at Punchestown and the point-to-point meets at Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled as a showing of respect.

O’Sullivan was one of the rising stars of the weighing room.

He hit the big time when he won the 2024 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale.

And he made it an incredible day-one double later with victory in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap on Jazzy Matty.

That partnership with Connell severed in recent weeks, and O’Sullivan was given some rides for Willie Mullins.

Their link-up struck gold early on when O’Sullivan delivered a masterclass on Embassy Gardens in the big New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore.

That contest has been won by Gold Cup kings Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo in the past.

O’Sullivan had 87 wins from 1037 rides over the past five seasons, amassing almost $3million in prize money.

— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission

Originally published as Champion jockey dead at age 24 after tragic racing incident