Jockey Michael O'Sullivan dies over a week after fall in race

Jockey Michael O'Sullivan has died following a fall at a Co Tipperary racetrack last week.

In a statement, the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board said he died in the early hours of this morning.

Racing was abandoned in Thurles on 6 February due to the final-fence fall during which Mr O'Sullivan was one of three fallers.

Mr O'Sullivan had been in intensive care in Cork University Hospital since the incident.

The CEO of the Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board, Darragh O'Loughlin, paid tribute to Mr O'Sullivan, describing him as an "exceptionally talented young rider".

"Michael will be deeply missed by everyone in racing who had the pleasure of knowing him," he said.

The Chief Medical Officer of the IHRB, Dr Jennifer Pugh, also paid tribute to Mr O'Sullivan saying that his "dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around.

"Michael's success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him," she said.

Dr Pugh said that Mr O'Sullivan's family would like to reiterate their gratitude for the support they received and express their appreciation to the local and racing community.

The IHRB said that as a mark of respect, the fixture at Punchestown, the Point to Point fixtures Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have been cancelled.