Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in intensive care following a serious fall at Thurles racecourse in Ireland.
The 25-year-old rising star was airlifted to Cork University Hospital after a devastating incident during a race yesterday.
O’Sullivan, who was riding 6-5 favourite Wee Charlie, was involved in a serious five-horse pile-up at the final fence of a two-mile handicap chase.
Two other jockeys, Daniel King and Sean Flanagan, suffered nasty falls in the incident, while Phillip Enright and Tiernan Power Roche were unseated from their mounts.
Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in intensive care following a serious fall at Thurles racecourse in Ireland
PA
The remainder of the race meeting at Thurles was abandoned following the serious incident in the 2pm race.
O’Sullivan was stabilised at the track before being airlifted 74 miles to Cork University Hospital.
IHRB Chief Medical Officer Dr Jennifer Pugh provided an update on O’Sullivan’s condition this morning.
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
“Michael is in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital being treated for his injuries sustained at Thurles yesterday and is receiving the best medical care,” she said.
In the same statement, it was noted that “Michael’s family wish to express their gratitude for all the well wishes.”
O’Sullivan has established himself as one of racing’s rising stars, recently securing rides for prominent trainer Willie Mullins.
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His breakthrough came at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, where he partnered with trainer Barry Connell to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle aboard Marine Nationale.
He completed a remarkable double that day by also winning the Boodles with Jazzy Matty.
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Following a recent split with Connell, O’Sullivan demonstrated his continued success with a victory on Embassy Gardens at Tramore on New Year’s Day.
The racing community has rallied around O’Sullivan, with messages of support pouring in for the injured jockey.
The horse racing community is praying for Michael O’Sullivan after the jockey was placed into intensive care
PA
Former jumps jockey Richard Pitman was among those sending well wishes, writing: “Thinking all good thoughts for Michael!”
Friends and followers of the sport have been quick to express their support for O’Sullivan and his family during this difficult time.