THE opening race of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival is to be renamed in memory of tragic jockey Michael O’Sullivan.
The 24-year-old’s death rocked the entire horse racing community across Ireland and the UK earlier this month.
He suffered a fall in Thurles on February 6 before passing away ten days later[/caption]
Jockey great Barry Geraghty has hailed Cheltenham’s gesture as ‘a beautiful tribute’[/caption]
The 45-year-old noted how he is and will remain ‘dearly missed’ by everyone within Irish horse racing[/caption]
Of all the accomplishments he packed into his fledgling career, his 2023 victory onboard Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park stands out above all else.
So it was only fitting that Festival organisers announced on Thursday that this year’s renewal of the Cheltenham curtain-raiser is to be renamed The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The move has been widely hailed by figures across the sport, including Irish legend Barry Geraghty.
The two-time Irish Champion Jockey praised: “A beautiful tribute to an amazing young man who was taken far too soon and is dearly missed by all in our sport.”
The O’Sullivan family have spoken of their gratitude at Michael being honoured in such a way at the biggest meet of the year.
In a statement they said: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
“Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
“As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way.
“The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“We would like to sincerely thank The Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.”
The traditional roar that greets the first race of the four-day Festival will have added poignancy this year.
Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, added: “Michael was an outstanding jockey and recognised by everyone as a wonderful young man.
“When you read the heartfelt tributes paid to him over these past days, you can see how highly regarded he was in the racing community on both sides of the Irish Sea and beyond.
“Given that it was at Cheltenham that Michael enjoyed his biggest success as a rider back on that magical Tuesday afternoon in 2023, we felt it was only right to pay tribute to Michael in this way.
“Our sincere thanks go to our sponsors of this race, Sky Bet for making it possible.
“All our thoughts continue to be with Michael’s family, friends and weighing room colleagues at this difficult time and for allowing us to pay tribute in this way.”
