The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider was seriously injured when his mount was one of three fallers in an incident in which two other horses unseated their riders at Thurles on Thursday
Jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in intensive care after being airlifted to hospital following a fall at Thurles on Thursday.
The Cheltenham Festival-winning rider was seriously injured when his mount came down at the last fence of a dramatic second race at the Co Tipperary track.
O’Sullivan, 25, was riding the Gerard O’Leary-trained Wee Charlie who had made good headway to be one of a number of horses still in contention approaching the final fence of the second race on the card, a 2m handicap chase.
But Wee Charlie was one of three horses that fell at the fence in an incident in which two others were badly hampered and unseated their jockeys.
The rest of the meeting was significantly delayed while O’Sullivan received medical attention. But after 90 minutes the rest of the meeting was abandoned after the second race as the air ambulance arrived to fly O’Sullivan to hospital.
O’Sullivan shot to prominence in 2023 when winning the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham aboard Marine Nationale, also tasting Grade One glory with Barry Connell’s charge at Fairyhouse.
An update on Friday posted on X from Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, said: “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.
“Michael’s family wish to express their gratitude for all the well wishes.”
Many fans on have posted messages on X wishing the popular O’Sullivan a full recovery.
One message, accompanied by a clip of his Cheltenham Festival victory said: “All the racing world sending positive vibes to Michael O’Sullivan. He’s in our thoughts and prayers.
“How about we relive his greatest moments to get some positive vibes flowing for a talented and sound young man.”
Another wrote: “In autumn 2022, Michael O’Sullivan turned pro. The next spring he won his second Grade 1 aged 22 aboard Marine Nationale in Cheltenham.
“U-21 champion in point-to-point racing, over €1.7m won in prize money. Keep this bright young lad in your thoughts.”
