Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan dies from injuries sustained in fall

CORK, Ireland (AP) — Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan died on Sunday from injuries sustained in a fall at a race earlier this month, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board said. He was 24.

O’Sullivan was riding on Wee Charlie when he was one of three riders to fall at the final fence during a race held in Thurles, Ireland, on Feb. 6. He was treated on the track before being taken to Cork University Hospital.

“On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan,” the IHRB said in a statement Sunday. “The Directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues in the weighroom and the wider racing community at this time.”

Dr. Jennifer Pugh, the IHRB’s chief medical officer, said he died early Sunday morning with his family around him at Cork University Hospital.

“We extend our appreciation to the multidisciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital,” Pugh said in the statement. “Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.”

Out of respect for O’Sullivan, Sunday’s fixture at Punchestown was cancelled along with several other races.

“Michael was an exceptionally talented young rider who was always popular in the weighroom,” IHRB CEO Darragh O’Loughlin said. “Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him.” ___

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