Michael O’Sullivan ‘will be much missed’ as tributes pour in for jockey | Racing | Sport

The racing world is in mourning after the tragic passing of jockey Michael O’Sullivan at the age of 24.Top trainer Gordon Elliott, who celebrated multiple wins with O’Sullivan including a notable victory at the Cheltenham Festival this year with Jazzy Matty, was one of many to express their devastation.He said: “It’s a terrible tragedy for racing and today is about remembering Michael. We had some great moments on track together, including when winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023. We send our deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.”O’Sullivan’s exceptional talent was also recognised by Andrew Coonan, secretary of the Irish Jockeys Association, who said: “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.”After a fall at Thurles on February 6, O’Sullivan was airlifted to Cork University Hospital’s intensive care unit, where he fought bravely until his untimely death on Sunday morning.The Professional Jockeys Association in Britain said in a statement: “The PJA and its members are heartbroken to hear that jockey Michael O’Sullivan has died following injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles.”Michael was a very talented, popular rider and, with the weighing room being such a close-knit community, his passing will leave a profound sense of loss in Britain as well as Ireland.”Our thoughts and prayers are with Michael’s family and friends, his weighing-room colleagues and the Irish racing community.”Horse Racing Ireland’s CEO Suzanne Eade reflected: “My HRI colleagues and I share in the sadness of everyone at this morning’s news of the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.”Everyone’s thoughts are with Michael’s parents William and Bernadette, his brother Alan, his wider family and with his many friends and colleagues. To them all, we offer our sincerest condolences.”Coming from a background steeped in racing, Michael made his start in the point-to-point field while a secondary school student and he made his name on the racecourse with a university degree under his belt.”A champion under-21 point-to-point rider, Michael began the 2022/2023 season as a 7lb claiming amateur and ended the term as our champion conditional jockey with three Grade One winners to his name.”Michael’s talent shone through for big-race success on National Hunt racing’s greatest stages. Michael was a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and everyone can be proud of his many achievements, both on and off the racecourse.”Michael will be much missed and he will be widely mourned. May he rest in peace.”Brant Dunshea, acting chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, also offered his condolences to O’Sullivan’s friends and family.He said: “I was devastated to learn of the death of Michael O’Sullivan earlier today and speak for all involved in British racing when I say that our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and friends at this awful time.”The bonds between the British and Irish racing communities are deep and this unspeakable tragedy will doubtless have a profound impact on many people on both sides of the Irish Sea.”This has been an extremely difficult week for many in the racing family; support is available and I would urge anybody who feels they need this to reach out to their employer or representative body.”



Source link