Jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in intensive care after Thurles fall

The 24-year-old rider was taken to Cork in an air ambulance on Thursday

Jockey Michael O'Sullivan. Photograph: John Walton/PA Wire
Jockey Michael O'Sullivan. Photograph: John Walton/PA Wire

Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan is in intensive care after being injured in a fall at Thurles on Thursday.

The 24-year-old rider was on board the Ger O’Leary-trained Wee Charlie in a handicap chase, the second race on the card, when he was one of three fallers at the final fence.

Racing was delayed as officials awaited the arrival of an air ambulance. Once it arrived O’Sullivan was taken to Cork. The rest of the meeting was abandoned.

“Michael is in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital being treated for injuries sustained at Thurles yesterday and is receiving the best medical care,” IHRB’s chief medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh said in a statement.

READ SOME MORE

“Michael’s family wish to express their gratitude for all the well wishes.”

O’Sullivan, from Lombardstown near Mallow, Co Cork rose to prominence at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival. He partnered the Barry Connell owned and trained Marine Nationale to victory in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and completed a double on the same day when successful on Jazzy Matty for Gordon Elliott.