Jockey Michael O'Sullivan dies aged 24 after fall in race

He died on Sunday morning, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) confirmed on behalf of his family, after a fall at Thurles on 6 February.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB, said in a statement: "Michael's family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families."

She said: "Michael's success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him."

O'Sullivan died surrounded by his family in Cork University Hospital.

At the time of his accident, he was riding Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O'Leary and was one of three fallers at the final fence in the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase.

The rest of the meeting was abandoned as the air ambulance arrived to take O'Sullivan to hospital, and it was later confirmed that he was being treated in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital, where he had remained since.

"I have had the privilege of knowing Michael through his amateur and professional career and his dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around," Dr Pugh said.

Darragh O'Loughlin, CEO of the IHRB, described O' Sullivan as "exceptionally talented" and a "popular" rider who will be "deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him".

As a mark of respect, the fixture at Punchestown and the Point to Point fixtures at Knockanard, Nenagh and Tinahely on Sunday have been cancelled.

O'Sullivan, widely considered one of the rising stars in the weighing room, steered Marine Nationale to victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2023 and scored at the same meeting with Jazzy Matty in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

He rode 90 winners over jumps in Ireland and five in Britain from just over 1,000 career rides.

-SKY NEWS