A young man who achieved so much

Full name: Michael John Matthew O’Sullivan

Born: February 21st 2000

Hometown: Lombardstown, Co Cork

First ride under rules: Crazy Game (Eugene O’Sullivan), 10th at Clonmel, May 19th 2016

First point-to-point winner: A Decent Excuse (Eugene O’Sullivan), Castletown-Geoghegan, October 8th 2017

First winner under rules: Wilcosdiana (Eugene O’Sullivan), Jack Tyner Memorial Hunters Chase at Cork, April 2nd 2018

First winner as a professional:Dangan Des Champs (Robert Tyner), Sligo, September 14th 2022

Cheltenham Festival winners: Marine Nationale (Barry Connell), 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1); Jazzy Matty (Gordon Elliott), 2023 Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Dublin Racing Festival winner:Good Land (Barry Connell), 2023 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle (Grade 1)

Punchestown Festival winner:Hgranca De Thaix (Barry Connell), 2024 EMS Copiers Novice Handicap Chase (Listed)

Other Grade 1 winner: Marine Nationale (Barry Connell), Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Fairyhouse, December 4th 2022

Other graded winners: Embassy Gardens (Willie Mullins), 2025 New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore; Enniskerry (Barry Connell), 2022 Kilbegnet Novice Chase at Roscommon

Other blacktype handicap winners: Espanito Bello (Barry Connell), 2023 Leinster National Handicap Chase at Naas; L’yser (Barry Connell), 2023 Easter Handicap Hurdle at Cork; Western Walk (Jonathan Sweeney), 2023 I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final at Fairyhouse; Lieutenant Command (Noel Meade), 2023 Carrickmines Handicap Chase at Leopardstown; Magnor Glory (Terence O’Brien), 2022 Island Handicap Hurdle at Listowel; Espanito Bello (Barry Connell), 2023 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle at Naas

Final winner: Putapoundinthejar (Tony Martin), Down Royal, January 21st 2025

Additional riding honours: Champion conditional rider (2022/’23); champion under-21 point-to-point rider (2019); inaugural JT McNamara Qualified Riders Series winner (2020/’21).

Number of trainers ridden for during conditional championship-winning season: 101

Number of Grade 1 winners: 3

Total wins under rules in Ireland: 90 (71 as a professional/19 as an amateur)

Total wins in point-to-points: 34

Total wins in Britain: 5

Total wins in France: 3

Compiled by Mark Boylan