HORSE-RACING fans were urged to “stop what you’re doing and watch this” after an old interview of Michael O’Sullivan emerged in the wake of his passing.
The 24-year-old jockey tragically died on Sunday after suffering a horrendous fall at Thurles on February 6.
Michael O’Sullivan died on Sunday[/caption]
https://twitter.com/TheHorseIE/status/1737197908619903343
Tributes have been paid to the Corkman in the aftermath, with the likes of Willie Mullins, Rachael Blackmore, and Gordon Elliott among those paying their respects.
In the wake of his death, an interview he conducted with TheHorse.ie in December 2023 re-emerged.
In it, O’Sullivan revealed just how far back his family‘s love of horses goes and how it inspired his career.
He explained: “My father was an amateur jockey, William.
“He was quite successful; he won the Foxhunter [Chase] at Cheltenham on Lovely Citizen and the La Touche.
“My brother Alan is going down the same route.
“He wouldn’t have been taking as much of an interest as I did early on but when he did he just focused on race horses and that’s all he wanted to know.
“My uncle Eugene trains. My grandfather Eoin, he started the family off.
“He bred horses and owned horses all his life and obviously Maxine, my cousin, rides and Eoin, my cousin, used to ride as well.
“My aunt Marie McCartan is in Ballyphilip Stud with her husband Paul and they are doing very well.
“My father retired in 2005 and I have a brief memory of being at a point-2-point and seeing him in Trevor Hemmings’ colours and that is my only memory of him riding so that is my earliest memory.
“I was allergic to ponies early on. I couldn’t breathe or my eyes would all swell up so I wasn’t too keen on it for a while.
“I got antihistamines and I suppose just got used to it and started riding ponies properly from nine years of age on.”
The interview has gone viral since O’Sullivan’s death, with fans retweeting it while paying tribute to the jockey.
Tubba said: “What a nice boy – humble – talented – so sad” and Sinead posted: “There are no words. Devastating news.
“My thoughts are with Michael’s heart broken family. A fabulous young man.”
The Final Furlong Podcast tweeted: “If you haven’t seen it, watch this special feature on Michael O’Sullivan by @TheHorseIE.
“They sat down with him for an interview and followed him to the gallops and the track, giving a behind-the-scenes look at his incredible life as a jockey.
“A true class act. God rest him.”
Kate commented: “If you do one thing today, please watch this interview.
“Michael had achieved so much already in his career yet still had so much more to come with the racing world at his feet”
Richard said: “This is a brilliant piece about a brilliant young man. Give it a watch at some point”
