Who was jockey Michael O’Sullivan, and what was his cause of death?
MICHAEL O’Sullivan was a rising star in the horseracing world, winning several prestigious awards for Ireland and Britain.
Sadly, the jockey passed away on February 16, 2025, in hospital at the age of 24, and in tribute the first race of the week at Cheltenham Festival 2025 will be named after him.
Horse racing dynasty
Michael was born in Lombardstown, County Cork, into a family that long been involved in horse racing.
His father, William, won first place at the Foxhunter’s Chase in 1991 on a horse bred by his own dad.
Maxine, Michael’s cousin, was a Cheltenham festival winner.
Michael began his racing career doing point-to-point horseracing, taking home his first win in 2018.
By 2019, he was the champion under-21 rider before turning professional in 2022.
While training, he studied for an Agricultural Science degree at the University of Dublin.
He graduated the same year he turned professional, kick starting an incredible career.
Michael’s career rise
Michael went from strength to strength, earning a day one double at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
He was named Irish Champion conditional jockey that same year.
Throughout his career, Michael rode 90 winners for Ireland and five for Britain.
Sadly, his career ended on February 6, 2025, when he fell at the final fence at Thurles.
Michael was severely injured in the fall and authorities rushed him to hospital, before placing him in an induced coma.
Michael’s tragic passing
Sadly, Michael passed away from his injuries just days before his 25th birthday.
He died on February 16, 2025, leading races across Ireland to be cancelled.
Jockeys in Great Britain wore black armbands at Musselburgh and Lingfield, in tribute to Michael.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board’s Chief Dr Jennifer Pugh issued a statement after the star’s death.
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 multi-disciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital.
“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.”
The first of the 28 contests at Cheltenham 2025 will be named the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, in honour of the jockey.
