BARRY Connell, the trainer with whom Michael O’Sullivan is most associated, paid a fitting tribute to the tragic jockey after overseeing a winner at Punchestown on Thursday.
The pair had linked up for O’Sullivan’s most memorable triumph with Marine Nationale in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival.
William Munny took the Listed 2m novice hurdle for him with ease at the Kildare track[/caption]
O’Sullivan was buried in his native Cork at a massive funeral on Wednesday[/caption]
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So it was always bound to be an emotionally wrought moment when Connell spoke on camera for the first time since the 24-year-old’s passing.
At the outset of his interview with Racing TV, Connell acknowledged: “It has been a terribly difficult week for the family and everyone in the racing community.
“Michael was part of our operation for a long time, and it’s been heartbreaking, it’s been very difficult.”
He added: “I was lucky enough to spend a good bit of time with the family during the week.
“He packed so much into a career of two and half years that most riders wouldn’t be able to do in a lifetime.
“The two of us went along together.
“I only had the [training] license for a year and Michael had only just turned professional, and we went on a magical journey.
“We’ll be going back to Cheltenham this year, and it will be very emotional.
“Our hearts go out to the family, and we will never forget Michael.”
The Irish horse racing community en masse turned up in Glantire on Wednesday to pay their respects as the prodigiously talented rider was laid to rest.
Perhaps the most moving moment to come from a sombre day from start to finish was supplied by his girlfriend Charlotte.
She read out a poem she’d composed in his honour that summed up his lifelong love of racing.
It read: “Around the home bend, he came, so proud, a jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.
“The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky, as he galloped past, swift as a sigh.
“In the saddle, he knew no fear, chasing victory, his purpose clear.
“The crowd erupted with each swift stride, but it was his love that burned inside.
“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.
“A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.
“His spirit runs free, beyond the track, and in my heart, he’s forever mine.
“My love, my life, my endless love.”
