- Jockey Michael O’Sullivan died on February 16 aged 24 after a fall at Thurles
- The jockey was placed in an induced coma but never regained consciousness
- Cheltenham, where he enjoyed biggest day in the saddle, make fitting tribute
Cheltenham will honour Michael O’Sullivan by renaming the opening race of next month’s Festival in honour of the late jockey.
The Irishman, 24, died on February 16, 10 days after a fall at Thurles.
The first race of the meet on March 11 will change its name from the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
It was in that race that O’Sullivan enjoyed his greatest day in the saddle when he rode Marine Nationale to a memorable success in the 2023 renewal of the two-mile contest.
He followed that up by winning the Fred Winter Hurdle on Jazzy Matty to become leading jockey on the opening day.
‘We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing,’ said O’Sullivan’s family.
‘Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
Jockey Michael O’Sullivan has tragically died aged 24 from injuries he suffered during a fall
O’Sullivan, a two-time winner at Cheltenham, was involved in a five-horse pile-up at Thurles
The Irishman celebrates his memorable victory at the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2023, a race which will be now renamed in his honour at next month’s Cheltenham Festival
‘As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way. The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
‘We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.’
O’Sullivan had been riding the 6/5 favourite Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary when he was one of three fallers at the final fence in a two-mile handicap chase.
He was treated at the County Tipperary track before being transferred by air ambulance to hospital, but did not recover from his injuries.
He rode 95 winners in Ireland and Britain over his career, including 14 in Ireland and two in Britain this season.
He was a lover of music, who regularly attended gigs, and rugby enthusiast, who supported Munster and Ireland.
Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: ‘Michael was an outstanding jockey and recognised by everyone as a wonderful young man. When you read the heartfelt tributes paid to him over these past days, you can see how highly regarded he was in the racing community on both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.
‘Given that it was at Cheltenham that Michael enjoyed his biggest success as a rider back on that magical Tuesday afternoon in 2023, we felt it was only right to pay tribute to Michael in this way.
‘Our sincere thanks go to our sponsors of this race, Sky Bet for making it possible. All our thoughts continue to be with Michael’s family, friends and weighing room colleagues at this difficult time and for allowing us to pay tribute in this way.”
