The racing world has been shaken to its core. The loss of Michael O’Sullivan, at just 24 years old, is the kind of tragedy that stops us in our tracks and reminds us of the fragility of life. He was doing what he loved—riding, competing, chasing his dreams—and now, the whole racing community is left trying to make sense of the unthinkable.

Michael wasn’t just a jockey. He was a talent, a hard grafter, a young man and a gentleman who wore his love for the game on his sleeve. From the early days on ponies to his unforgettable wins at Cheltenham, he was the kind of rider you knew was going places. And more than that, he was the kind of person you wanted to see get there.

Willie Mullins put it simply earlier in the week: “It’s dreadful news which puts all our problems into context. He will be much missed here, and there is a real sadness over the whole of Closutton today.” The words hang heavy because it’s true—everything else suddenly feels small in comparison.

Michael’s hunger and love for racing were unmatched. He was one of those riders who gave it everything, every single time. Gordon Elliott summed it up: “It’s a terrible tragedy for racing. We had some great moments on track together, including winning at the Cheltenham Festival in 2023.” Those moments will be replayed and remembered, but it’s the person behind them that makes the loss so much harder to bear.

He wasn’t just about the big days, though. He was about the graft, the learning, the early mornings, and the long journeys. Racing was in his bones. Ruby Walsh recalled a moment in Dublin Airport when Michael, with that signature enthusiasm, explained every intricate detail of his saddle to a curious traveler. “His commitment to the sport was evident in every word,” Ruby said. That was Michael—fully immersed, always giving, always learning.

And those who knew him best knew the kind of man he was beyond the saddle. Zoe Smalley, Head of Racing here at the Grassroots Gazette, captured it beautifully:

“As a new mother, I look at my six-month-old son and hope that in 24 years, a man like Michael O’Sullivan looks back at me. All the tributes and nice things that have been said about Michael are true, and I think that’s what makes this so hard to digest.

Racing has given the O’Sullivans so much, but it’s taken everything from them too. In a perfect world, they could hand back all the trophies and Mikey would walk in the door—but if we didn’t realise it before, it’s far from a perfect world. As a family, they are blessed to have those memories, and going forward, they’ve vowed to celebrate the successes of Mikey’s friends and family in his honour. That, along with their decision to donate his organs, highlights what kind of people they are—so it’s no surprise that Michael turned out so well. Racing as an industry is spectacular, we are tight, Michael was one of us, and as an industry, we will hold the O’Sullivans as tightly as they need, for as long as they need, in the hope that they can find a way to celebrate those successes again one day.

Michael deserves respect and recognition beyond what I can put into words right now, but one thing I can say for sure: Michael O’Sullivan will be missed, and always remembered.”

Even in their darkest hour, Michael’s family made an extraordinary decision—the choice to give life to others through organ donation. It speaks to the kind of people they are, and the kind of man Michael was. His impact won’t just be felt in racing but in lives he’s saved.

John Fitzgerald of the Restricted Trainers Association reflected on the wider reality of this loss:

“Michael O’Sullivan’s sad passing is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of a sporting passion. His legacy as a gifted rider and an extraordinary young man will endure, even as our racing and non-racing communities grapple with the very sobering realities of our sport. As tributes continue, his story—and others before him—amplify calls for greater awareness of jockey safety while still celebrating the courage that defines their incredible skill and craft.”

The racing world has paused. Meetings have been cancelled, riders have taken to social media, and the weight of this loss can be felt far beyond the racecourses of Ireland. Michael O’Sullivan’s name will never fade—his talent, his heart, his relentless pursuit of the sport he loved will be carried forward in the stories we tell and the memories we hold tight.

Rest easy, Michael. The saddle is empty, but you’ll never be forgotten.