The Jockey Club have confirmed that the opening race of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival will be renamed to honour the recently deceased jockey Mr Michael O’Sullivan, latter who sadly died at the age of just 24 years, having sustained injuries in a fall at Thurles Racecourse, in Co. Tipperary, last month
O’Sullivan’s mount ‘Wee Charlie‘ was one of three fallers at the final fence of a February 6th race at Thurles Racecourse and Mr Michael O’Sullivan, despite receiving urgent medical attention, sadly died of his injuries some 10 days later.
Mr O’Sullivan rode 95 winners in Ireland and Britain, including the ‘Supreme Novices’ Hurdle’, which was the opening race of the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is seen as a fitting tribute to Mr O’Sullivan’s dedication, skill and indeed his overall passion for the sport of horse racing.
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