Rising Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in critical condition after suffering a serious fall at Thurles racecourse on Thursday.
The 25-year-old was airlifted to Cork University Hospital following the incident, which occurred during the opening race.
O’Sullivan, who shot to prominence with three Grade One victories and two Cheltenham Festival successes, including the Supreme Novices Hurdle on Marine Nationale, received extensive treatment on the course.
The severity of his injuries led to him drifting in and out of consciousness before being stabilised for the 100km air ambulance flight to hospital.
Rising Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in critical condition after suffering a serious fall at Thurles racecourse on Thursday
PA
The incident occurred when O’Sullivan was riding 6/5 favourite Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary in a two-mile handicap.
The horse was moving into fourth place at the final fence when disaster struck.
In an extraordinary chain of events, Wee Charlie was one of three horses to fall at the obstacle, with two more runners being brought down in the resulting collision.
Everything crossed for Michael O’Sullivan tonight – hopefully the morning brings some positive news🤞 pic.twitter.com/GTSdSr0XEv
— Racing Tales (@Racing_Tales) February 6, 2025
The racecourse’s medical team immediately declared an emergency incident.
Due to insufficient medical coverage remaining for other races, officials made the decision to abandon the rest of the day’s racing programme.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) issued a statement on the incident: “Michael O’Sullivan was treated by the medical team on track at Thurles Races prior to the air ambulance arriving.”
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“Due to the ongoing medical situation at the time, the Raceday Stewards made the decision to abandon the remainder of the card. Michael was stabilised prior to being transferred by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital.”
The decision to abandon racing was made with safety as the primary concern, as medical resources were focused on treating O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan’s career had recently seen significant changes, having split from trainer Barry Connell last November, with whom he had enjoyed notable success with Marine Nationale.
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He subsequently formed a partnership with Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm at their Chantilly base, securing two UK victories in November at Bangor-on-Dee and Hereford.
His talent caught the attention of leading trainer Willie Mullins, who booked him for Embassy Gardens at Tramore.
Michael O’Sullivan suffered a horror fall at Thurles racecourse on Thursday
PA
The pair claimed victory in the New Year’s Day Chase on January 1.
O’Sullivan’s last race before the accident saw him finish sixth in the Irish Gold Cup last Saturday.