Michael O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s most promising young jockeys, was airlifted to hospital on Thursday in a critical condition following a horror fall at Thurles.
The 25-year-old shot to prominence two seasons ago when he rode three Grade One winners and enjoyed two successes at the Cheltenham Festival, the biggest of which was on Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
But there is now concern for his well-being amongst the racing community following an incident in the opening race at Thurles that was so bad it resulted in the remainder of the card being abandoned after O’Sullivan received extensive treatment on course.
O’Sullivan had been riding the 6/5 favourite Wee Charlie for trainer Gerard O’Leary. He was staying on into fourth place at the final fence in the two-mile handicap but the gelding was one of three horses to fall there, while another two runners were brought down in extraordinary skirmish.
He was immediately attended to by the racecourse’s medical team, who declared an emergency incident. Such were the severity of injuries O’Sullivan sustained – it is understood he drifted in and out of consciousness – the air ambulance was called to provide further assistance.
Racing was abandoned due to there being insufficient medical cover for the remaining contests but sport was the least of anyone’s priorities as O’Sullivan was rushed to Cork University Hospital for further assessment. He had been stabilised before making the 100km flight.
Michael O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s promising jockeys, was airlifted to hospital on Thursday
The 25-year-old suffered a horror fall at Thurles and received treatment on the course
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) released a statement saying: ‘Michael O’Sullivan was treated by the medical team on track at Thurles Races prior to the air ambulance arriving.
‘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.’
It has been a challenging season for O’Sullivan, who comes from a famous racing family, in some respects, as he split from Barry Connell – the owner-trainer with whom he had enjoyed such success on Marine Nationale – last November to pursue more opportunities.
He struck up a link with Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, who are based in Chantilly, after spending time at their yard last summer and rode two winners for them in the UK in November – Do It Again at Bangor-on-Dee and Exit To Nowhere at Hereford.
An indication of his talent was shown by the fact Willie Mullins booked him to ride Embassy Gardens at Tramore on January 1 and he delivered, guiding the chaser to success with a well-judged ride in the New Year’s Day Chase. The pair finished sixth in the Irish Gold Cup last Saturday.