RACING TV put together a ‘heartbreaking’ tribute montage in memory of Michael O’Sullivan on the day of his funeral.
Hours before mourners gathered in his native Cork, the British broadcaster released a beautifully composed compilation of the many highs he squeezed into his fledgling career.
The coffin of Michael O’Sullivan being carried into St John the Baptist Church, Glantane near Mallow[/caption]
He would’ve turned 25 on Friday[/caption]
It was captioned: “Michael O’Sullivan was a rising star of the weighing room
“He was also a grandson, son, brother, nephew and cousin
“Ahead of his funeral this afternoon, Racing TV remembers a young man taken far too soon & send our condolences to his family & friends.”
At its outset, narrator Nick Luck brands the tragic rider: “One of the most promising and prodigious talents we’ve seen for a long time”.
It’s plain to see why as footage of his most famous win onboard Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival immediately follows.
Barry Geraghty’s voice is later heard at one juncture with the Meath great labelling him ‘a brilliantly talented rider’.
The entire video lasts almost seven minutes in duration and left racing fans on the verge of tears by its finish.
George urged: “It’s heartbreaking when a life full of promise is cut short.
“Remembering someone as a son and brother reminds us of the impact they had beyond just their achievements.
“Let’s honour their memory by cherishing our loved ones and living fully. Life is fragile let’s not take it for granted.”
Similarly, Phil hailed: “An excellent tribute to a young jockey who has been lost far too early in life.
“My deepest sympathies to all his family, friends and racing colleagues.
“Michael had the rarest of talents even amongst pro jockeys. He got a little bit more from horses who wanted to run for him.”
There has been no racing in Ireland for the past three days – as the sport and community comes to terms with such a devastating loss.
Michael O’Sullivan was a rising star of the weighing room
He was also a grandson, son, brother, nephew and cousin
Ahead of his funeral this afternoon, Racing TV remembers a young man taken far too soon & send our condolences to his family & friends pic.twitter.com/k0bVyORwyf
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 19, 2025
And the funeral mass in Cork was packed with mourners including legendary trainer Willie Mullins, all remembering a much-loved and respected rider, son, boyfriend and brother.
Tears flowed as Charlotte, the girlfriend O’Sullivan leaves behind, spoke of how much she will miss her partner.
A rousing applause once she finished showed how her words echoed with everyone there.
And no one took longer than Willie Mullins – who O’Sullivan had recently rode a big winner for – to talk to the heartbroken family.
Prior to that, O’Sullivan’s coffin bearing the blue and gold flag of his GAA club Kilshannig, was met at the church door by a guard of honour made up of over a dozen jockeys he raced with.
O’Sullivan was severely injured on February 6 when part of a desperate five-horse pile-up at the final fence of a handicap chase held at Thurles.
He was attended to on-track by racecourse paramedics and airlifted to Cork University Hospital, where he remained in intensive care until his passing on Sunday.
