24 year old jockey Michael O’Sullivan passed away on Sunday morning, 10 days after a fall at Thurles racecourse.
Racing understands the risk that jockeys take every time they step onto the racecourse. Injury is seen as a part of the job, affecting every jockey at some point.
But to die while taking part in sport will never be anything but an impossible to comprehend tragedy.
That we should be mourning Michael O’Sullivan only a week after John Cooney’s death after a boxing bout in Belfast only adds to the sense of fate having dealt a cruel hand.
O’Sullivan was in the early stages of his career but was already a multiple group one winner with a double at Cheltenham to add to his soaring reputation.
That all counted for nothing for his family gathered around him in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital that past ten days.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, Michael,” said Andrew Coonan of the Irish Jockeys Association.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his father, William, his mother, Bernadette, his brother, Alan and girlfriend, Charlotte.”
“Jockeys face the risks of race-riding every day, but it is only when a tragedy like this befalls us that those full risks are truly realised.”
“Michael was not only a highly talented rider but also a great friend and colleague to many in the weighroom. We are all the richer for having known him, even though his time with us was far too short.”
“May Michael rest in peace.”
Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland also said in a statement “My HRI colleagues and I share in the sadness of everyone at this morning’s news of the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.”
“Everyone’s thoughts are with Michael’s parents William and Bernadette, his brother Alan, his wider family and with his many friends and colleagues. To them all, we offer our sincerest condolences.”
“Coming from a background steeped in racing, Michael made his start in the point-to-point field while a secondary school student and he made his name on the racecourse with a university degree under his belt. A champion under-21 point-to-point rider, Michael began the 2022/2023 season as a 7lbs claiming amateur and ended the term as our champion conditional jockey with three Grade 1 winners to his name.”
“Michael’s talent shone through for big-race success on National Hunt racing’s greatest stages. Michael was a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and everyone can be proud of his many achievements, both on and off the racecourse.
“Michael will be much missed and he will be widely mourned. May he rest in peace.”
Sport for Business Members Additional Reading: The Spectre of Injury and Worse in a Sporting Environment
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Two deaths in sport in a week is hard to believe. We know that everything which can be done to preserve life and health at sporting events is done but sometimes fate makes a mockery of what we do, and strikes at those who are doing what they love, never imagining that that fence, or that punch will be their last. Our hearts go out to them and all affected by their tragic deaths.
