The Irish jockey had a short but successful career, having turned professional in September 2022.

Michael O’Sullivan died on February 16, 2025, at the age of 24. He had been in an induced coma in intensive care at Cork University Hospital after a fall during a race earlier in the month.

The incident that ultimately led to his death, occurred at Thurles in the Republic of Ireland on February 6. O’Sullivan was aboard Wee Charlie for Gerard O’Leary when he became one of three riders to fall at the final fence during the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase.

Medical teams attended to him on the track at Thurles before he was airlifted to the hospital for further treatment.

Now, The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board has confirmed his passing and sent their condolences to O’Sullivan’s family, partner, friends, colleagues in the weighroom, and the wider racing community, who are mourning him.

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.”

Pugh noted that O’Sullivan’s family made the choice to donate his organs even as they mourn him. He praised their choice, adding that the organ donation would make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.

Pugh then reflected on O’Sullivan’s career, highlighting his dedication, humility, and kind nature, which made him a respected and well-liked figure in the racing community.

Darragh O’Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, also had praise for O’Sullivan, “Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom. Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our hearts go out to Michael’s family, especially his parents Bernadette and William and his brother Alan, who will feel his loss most keenly.”

As for his career, O’Sullivan took after his father William O’Sullivan, who is known for riding Lovely Citizen to victory in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in 1991. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science from University College Dublin but knew racing was his path.

The jockey started racing at “between the flags” and secured his first victory under rules in 2018. His uncle Eugene O’Sullivan, who is Lovely Citizen’s trainer, helped him with this first win under rules on Wilcosdiana by 47 lengths in the Jack Tyner Memorial Hunters Steeplechase at Cork in 2018.

O’Sullivan was then crowned champion novice rider in 2019 before transitioning to the professional ranks in September 2022.

His breakthrough moment came the following year at the Cheltenham Festival. There, he made a remarkable impact on the opening day by winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle with Marine Nationale and later claiming the Fred Winter with Jazzy Matty.

His success also earned him the title of champion conditional in Ireland. Over his career, he rode 95 winners across Ireland and Britain, with 14 victories in Ireland and two in Britain during the current season.

In his most recent wins, O’Sullivan celebrated a significant victory with Embassy Gardens, trained by Willie Mullins, at Tramore on New Year’s Day. His final day of racing saw him secure a second-place finish aboard Westport Cove, also for Mullins, at Thurles.

Mullins said O’Sullivan’s presence was deeply valued within the team at Closutton, where his natural talent, humility, and strong connection with horses stood out. His contributions were expected to grow even further, making his loss profoundly felt.

“He will be much missed here and there is a real sadness here. He was here two mornings a week and was very much a part of the team and his part here was only going to get bigger. He was such a natural rider who was very modest, friendly and understated,” Mullin added.

Marine Nationale’s trainer, Barry Connell, expressed the deep shock felt across the racing community following O’Sullivan’s passing.

Connell, who helped O’Sullivan to transition to a professional jockey, noted that he was recognized as a rising star in the sport and had formed a strong connection with those he worked with.

His presence brought warmth and camaraderie, making him widely respected and admired. “I think his legacy will be that he was an inspiration to a lot of the younger lads coming behind that somebody with the talent like his can, given the opportunities, rise to the top. I think that’s a brilliant legacy for him to have,” concluded Connell.

O’Sullivan’s family has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support tey have received in recent days, appreciating both the local community and the racing world for their kindness. They have also requested privacy during this difficult time.