THE world of horse racing has been united in grief after the passing of Michael O’Sullivan, the 24-year-old rising star of the weighing room who captured the imagination of so many.

Remarkably popular and praised as much for his conduct out of the saddle as his gifted abilities in it, the pride of Lombardstown, Co Cork passed away in the early hours of last Sunday morning, having battled bravely in Cork University Hospital for the previous 10 days.

To the devastation of his proud family, his loyal friends and colleagues, his beloved communities within the equine sector and north Cork, a recovery from Michael’s tragic last-fence fall at Thurles on Thursday, February 6th was not to be.

Truly phenomenal crowds turned out in force to offer their support to the O’Sullivan family while Michael reposed at Currabower, Lombardstown on Tuesday. In non-stop rain the following afternoon at St John’s Cemetery, Glantane, they again came in their droves to say one final farewell.

Parish priest Fr Gerard Coleman spoke glowingly of the triple Grade 1-winning jockey, whose finest hour in a short but impactful career came at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. Victory aboard Marine Nationale in that year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle ignited a memorable double for the young rider on an opening day of the meeting that will be remembered with fondness forever.

“His parents couldn’t have asked for a better son; he brought them so much joy and made us all so proud of the person he turned out to be,” said Fr Coleman.

“Michael had maturity beyond his years. As the first reading reminds us: ‘The virtuous man, though he dies before his time, will find rest. Length of days is not what makes age honourable, nor number of years the true measure of life. Coming to perfection in so short a while, he achieved a long life.’”

Fr Coleman remarked that Michael had “packed more into his 24 years than anyone else would in two lifetimes”.

Lasting impression

“He had tremendous understanding. He understood his horses, and that’s why he was such a great rider, but he also understood people, and that is why he made a lasting impression on everyone, and won the hearts of the Irish people. Everyone loved him.”

In an act of immense honour and selflessness, Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at the most difficult time. In doing so, according to IHRB chief medical officer Jennifer Pugh, “they made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families”.

Fr Coleman added: “Michael was an incredible, talented, dedicated sportsman and will never be forgotten. When he won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, he made his home crowd totally proud - but it was the interview afterwards, when he spoke about all of you here sitting in the front seats, how proud he was, how much support you were to him.

“When he became a professional, you supported him and helped him to follow his dream, doing what he truly loved. And then, in the last 10 days of his life, you sat by his bedside, watching, praying, opening your hearts, until Sunday morning, sitting over him. You have had to make the most difficult decision of your life. And you found it in your heart to make an act of love, in donating his organs, so that others might live.”

Fitting tribute

Michael’s partner Charlotte Giles showed astonishing class and courage to recite a beautifully poignant poem in his memory.

“Around the home bend, he came, so proud, A jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.

The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky, as he galloped past, swift as a sigh.

“In the saddle, he knew no fear, chasing victory, his purpose clear.

The crowd erupted with each swift stride, but it was his love that burned inside.

“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.

A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.

“His spirit runs free, beyond the track, and in my heart, he’s forever mine. My love, my life, my endless love.”

Michael hailed from a popular family, but also one steeped in National Hunt racing. His father, William, achieved fame by winning the 1991 Foxhunters at Cheltenham aboard Lovely Citizen, a horse owned and bred by Michael’s grandfather, Owen, and trained by his uncle, Eugene. Michael’s younger brother Alan is a well-regarded amateur rider, who shared the point-to-point Western Region title last season, and their cousin Maxine O’Sullivan has been champion lady rider in point-to-points seven times and is also a Cheltenham Festival winner.

As a child, Michael participated in pony club activities with the Duhallow Hunt. He further honed his skills through show jumping and eventing, experiences that laid a solid foundation for his future career. His dedication and talent were evident early on, leading him to become the champion novice point-to-point rider in 2019.

Balancing academics with his passion for racing, Michael pursued a degree in Agricultural Science at UCD, graduating with honours in May 2022.

Connell link-up

It was during that same month, May 2022, that Michael called owner-trainer Barry Connell, asking for the ride on a newcomer in a Punchestown bumper. It turned out to be a winner and the horse, Marine Nationale, would catapult both jockey and trainer into the headlines. On the same spectacular afternoon as his breakthrough Cheltenham Festival success, he partnered the Gordon Elliott-trained Jazzy Matty to victory in the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

By this time, Michael had turned professional and he seemed destined for a stellar career.

The 2022/’23 champion conditional’s balance and intelligence in the saddle saw him compared to a young Charlie Swan or Ruby Walsh, while Willie Mullins was increasingly utilising his talents since his split with Connell.

He rode 25 Irish winners in the 2023/’24 season and had already ridden 14 Irish winners this season, along with two in Britain and one in France, where he had begun to establish good contacts.

A bright star, whose potential was boundless, his premature passing has left the racing community in shock. The immensely bright impression he leaves on the industry won’t ever be forgotten.