Opening race of Cheltenham Festival renamed in honour of tragic jockey Michael O’Sullivan following death aged 24
THE opening race of the Cheltenham Festival has been renamed in honour of tragic jockey Michael O’Sullivan.
The much-loved rider died aged 24 earlier this month as a result of injuries suffered in a fall.
O’Sullivan’s biggest win in the saddle was his 2023 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle victory aboard Marine Nationale.
And for this year the traditional curtain-raiser will be known as The Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
The O’Sullivan family 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.
O’Sullivan lost his life after a fall at Thurles in Ireland on February 6.
He was airlifted to Cork hospital but never regained consciousness.
Tears flowed at his funeral last week as hundreds of mourners gathered to remember a ‘beautiful’ man.
And the sport is still coming to terms with the loss of a hugely promising rider just beginning to realise his enormous potential.
Racing fans had been urging bosses to rename the race.
And now their wishes had been granted, Guy Lavender, CEO of Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “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.”