Thurles cancels race meeting after tragic death of Michael O’Sullivan

Tipperary Racing Scene

There will be no racing at Thurles this Thursday after it was decided to cancel the meeting as a mark of respect to the late Michael O’Sullivan.

The 24-year-old Cork native passed away on Sunday morning, ten days after suffering a fatal fall in the second race at the Tipperary venue.

In a statement released by the Riona Molony, on behalf of the Molony family who run Thurles Races, said: “Our family feel an immense sense of sadness and loss. Michael was not only a remarkable jockey but also a beloved member of the racing community. His passion for the sport and his kindness will be deeply missed.”

A native of Glantane, Co. Cork, Michael made his start in the point-to-point circuit while a secondary school student and he made his name on the racecourse with a university degree under his belt.

A champion under-21 point-to-point rider, Michael began the 2022/2023 season as a 7lbs claiming amateur and ended the term as our champion conditional jockey with three Grade 1 winners to his name, including two on the opening day of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.

“Michael’s talent shone through for big-race success on National Hunt racing’s greatest stages,” said Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

“Michael’s talent shone through for big-race success on National Hunt racing’s greatest stages. Michael was a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, and everyone can be proud of his many achievements, both on and off the racecourse.

“Michael will be much missed, and he will be widely mourned. May he rest in peace.”

Racing Schedule Changes

Due to the sad passing of Jockey Michael O’Sullivan, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has announced the following race fixture alterations:

• The Punchestown meeting, which was due to be held this Wednesday, February 19th is cancelled and will now take place at Punchestown this Friday, February 21st. Original entries stand and declarations to run for this meeting must be made by 10.00am on Wednesday, February 19th.

• The Punchestown meeting, which was due to be held on Sunday, February 16th but was cancelled will now take place at Punchestown this Thursday, February 20th to form a 2-day Punchestown meeting. This meeting, which features The QuinnBet National Trial Handicap Steeplechase, reverts to entries at weights stage with fresh declarations to run for all races. In addition, The BetVictor Quevega Mares Hurdle (Grade 3), originally scheduled for Punchestown on Wednesday, February 19th, will be run at this meeting to form an 8-race card.

The Thurles meeting, which was due to be held on Thursday, February 20th is cancelled.

Weekly Racing Report

Cullen trainer Eamonn O’Connell won the eight-furlong maiden with the 9/1 chance Solomon Coop at Dundalk on Wednesday.

With Killian Leonard in the saddle, the four-year-old led over a furlong from the finish to beat Joseph O'Brien’s Winsome by half a length.

At Clonmel the following afternoon, My Gaffer, trained by John Ryan, won the concluding two and a half-mile beginners' chase. Owned by Walter O’Connor, the 8/1 chance was the second winner of the day for Derry amateur rider Dara McGill who was successful earlier on the card on Apologise which trained by his father Gary. My Gaffer went clear between the final two fences to beat Gavin Cromwell’s Union Station, the 7/4 favourite, by a length and a quarter.

Charleville apprentice Dylan O’Connor rode his first winner on just his fourth ride when partnering the Denis Hogan-trained Sporting Hero to take the five-furlong handicap at Dundalk on Friday.

In the colours of the Winning Chance Syndicate, the 16-year-old brought the 7/2 favourite home a two-length winner from the Andy Slattery-trained My Girl Sioux.

O’Connor, a son of point-to-point legend Mikey, is a graduate of the pony racing circuit and he won the Dingle Derby in 2023.

Willie Browne and Jake Coen won the six-furlong rated race with the 11/4 shot Ohmyviette. In a tight finish, the three-year-old held off the Joe Murray-trained Lyle The Crocodile by a neck.

A narrow runner-up with Killaney King in the earlier handicap hurdle, Rachael Blackmore and Henry de Bromhead enjoyed better luck when winning with Harry Des Ongrais in the two and a half mile beginners' chase at Gowran Park on Saturday.

Owned by Kenny Haughey, Laura Haughey, and Kieran Byrne, the 8/1 chance led at the final fence and drew away to score by four and a quarter lengths from Willie Mullins’ Lombron.

Cian Quirke and Kilkenny’s Eoin Doyle took the handicap chase over the same distance with 4/1 chance Midweek Voices.

In the colours of owner Edward Walsh, the six-year-old also came through to take over at the last and he battled well to see off Martin Hassett’s Solomon Lane by half a length.

Mullinahone trainer Michael Gunn sent out his first winner on the racecourse in over 28 years as six-year-old Aqua Force scored a 28-length win in the concluding Ronan Lawlor Memorial Irish EBF Mares Bumper.

Ridden by Niall Moore, she led before the turn out of the back straight and went clear two furlongs from home for a stunning debut success at the main expense of David Broad’s runner-up, Champagne Venture.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Punchestown – Thursday, February 20 (First race 1.25pm)

Punchestown – Friday, February 21 (First race 2.50pm)

Dundalk – Friday, February 21 (First race 3.55pm)

Fairyhouse – Saturday, February 22 (First race 1.40pm)

Naas – Sunday, February 23 (First race 2.20pm)