Members of the racing neighborhood have paid tribute to Michael O’Sullivan following his tragic demise on the age of 24.
The jockey, broadly considered one of many greatest abilities within the Irish weighing room, succumbed to accidents sustained in a last-fence fall at Thurles on February 6 within the early hours of Sunday February 16.
Throughout his profession, O’Sullivan loved three Grade One successes, together with aboard Marine Nationale within the 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on the Cheltenham Competition. He loved profitable associations with Barry Connell in addition to the Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm mixture, whereas additionally periodically driving for Willie Mullins in his native Eire.
Tributes have poured in from far and huge throughout the racing neighborhood, together with from a few of his weighing-room colleagues on each side of the Irish Sea.
On X, British champion jockey Harry Cobden posted: “Absolutely devastating news about Michael O’Sullivan. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Talking on Sky Sports activities Racing, two-time Irish champion jockey Barry Geraghty stated: “[He was] lovely, kind, caring and humble. His talent was obvious – everyone could see that – but [he was] such a good person behind the scenes. A really strong member of the weighing room [who was] loved and adored by everyone.”
Harry Skelton joined within the tributes on social media, writing: “Absolutely devastating news to hear Michael O’Sullivan has passed away. My thoughts are with his family, friends. When you go through that door to race you all want to come back in it together, his peg now sits empty for all the wrong reasons, thinking of all the Irish weighing room.”
O’Sullivan additionally left an enduring impression on trainers, with Paul Nicholls posting: “Everyone here in Ditcheat is heartbroken at the terrible news of Michael O’Sullivan. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family, friends and colleagues in this incredibly sad time. RIP.”
Gordon Elliott echoed these sentiments, writing: “Sending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael O’Sullivan. Rest in peace.”
Ted Walsh described the late rider as a “standout young man” who was “a credit to his parents”.
Members of the media have additionally expressed their condolences. On X, Matt Chapman posted: “Just such sad news today over Michael O’Sullivan and everyone thinking of him and his family and friends. A massive thank you for being you, and for showing us and sharing with us your talent.”
Commentator and pundit Richard Hoiles stated: “He was clearly much more than a jockey. [He was] intelligent, in terms of out of the saddle as well – he would have had so much more to offer long after his riding career had finished. It is just that tremendous shock that the whole aspect of people’s lives close to Michael were changed in an instant twist of fate. It’s very, very sad indeed.”
Nationwide Hunt racing at Punchestown was cancelled on Sunday in O’Sullivan’s honour, with point-to-point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely additionally referred to as off. In Britain, jockeys will put on black armbands to honour O’Sullivan at Musselburgh and Lingfield.
