2 weeks Ago By Andrew Ryan
THE family of Michael O'Sullivan are "overwhelmed by the support and well wishes" from fans following his horror fall. The 25-year-old rider was caught in the middle of a five-horse pile-up at the final fence in Thurles on Thursday. Two other jockeys, Daniel King and Sean Flanagan, suffered nasty falls while Phillip Enright and Tiernan Power Roche were also unseated.
He was 'stabilised' on the track and later flown 74 miles away to Cork University Hospital. In an update issued through the Irish Horse Racing Board (IHRB) on Tuesday, it was revealed that O'Sullivan remains in ICU at Cork University Hospital. A statement from Dr Jennifer Pugh, IHRB Chief Medical Officer, read: "Michael continues to receive the best of care in the intensive care unit of Cork University Hospital.
"Michael's family remain overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received over the last number of days." The remainder of the meeting was abandoned after the horrible flashpoint in the 2pm race. The young jockey is one of the rising stars of the weighing room and recently started getting a number of high profile rides for Willie Mullins .
O'Sullivan was riding for trainer Barry Connell when the pair teamed up to win the 2023 Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Marine Nationale. That formed the first part of a tremendous double on the day when he later won the Boodles with Jazzy Matty. The pair recently split up though and O'Sullivan showed he had moved on quickly with a brilliant winning ride aboard Embassy Gardens at Tramore on New Year's Day.
Legendary Jockey Ruby Walsh shared a snippet of insight into his condition during the opening moments of ITV's The Opening Show on Saturday morning. Initially presenter Oli Bell stated: "We are very much sending our prayers and love to Michael and his family." Irish legend Walsh took it up from there, adding: "He's in Cork University Hospital.
"He's fighting, breathing, very fit, very strong and he needs a bit of luck and hopefully he gets it." The accident did not escape the attention of RTE commentator Hugh Cahill, who was on duty for Ireland's win over Scotland in the Six Nations . As well as O'Sullivan, Cahill used the national broadcaster's airwaves to pay tribute to John Cooney .
The Galway boxer tragically passed away last week after suffering an intracranial haemorrhage during a title fight in Belfast . Fans echoed Hugh Cahill's comments on RTE as they praised the commentator for his words on social media. One posted: "Fair play to Hugh Cahill giving both Irish boxer John Cooney (who died after suffering a brain injury) and jockey Mikey O’Sullivan (currently fighting for his life after a heavy fall) a mention on comms there.
Another said: "A very tough week for sport and puts it all in perspective.".
