Racing at Thurles abandoned after Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan is airlifted to hospital

O'Sullivan was transferred by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital.

Racing at Thurles was abandoned on Thursday afternoon after jockey Michael O’Sullivan sustained a serious injury in a final-fence fall.

O’Sullivan was aboard Wee Charlie in the second race, the two-mile Racing Again February 20th Handicap Chase, when he fell at the last fence.

Two other horses also came down, while another pair were badly hampered, unseating their riders.

The 25-year-old was treated on the track before being airlifted to Cork University Hospital. Racing was initially delayed but was later called off around 3:30 pm due to a lack of medical cover.

In a statement, the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) said:

“Michael O'Sullivan was treated by the medical team on track at Thurles before the air ambulance arrived.

"Due to the ongoing medical situation at the time, the raceday stewards decided to abandon the remainder of the card.

"Michael was stabilised before being transferred by air ambulance to Cork University Hospital.”

O’Sullivan has been one of Ireland’s standout young jockeys in recent years, claiming notable victories at Cheltenham in 2023, including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle aboard Marine Nationale and the Fred Winter on Jazzy Matty.

He also enjoyed Grade One success with Good Land at the Dublin Racing Festival.

The racing world now awaits further updates on his condition.