Cheltenham Festival winning jockey dies aged just 24 after tragic accident

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan has died from injuries he suffered in a fall during a race in Ireland.

The 24-year-old - labelled racing's 'next superstar' after guiding Marine Nationale to Cheltenham glory in 2023 - was riding Wee Charlie and was one of three fallers at the final fence in the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase at Thurles on February 6.

Racing was abandoned as the air ambulance arrived to take O'Sullivan to hospital. He was being treated in the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital, but today news of his tragic death was announced.

Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) said in a statement on Sunday: "Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital.