But for the grace of God go I…
Irish steeplechase jockey Michael O’Sullivan died this morning from injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles 10 days ago. Twenty-four years old. Twenty-four. Five days shy of his 25th birthday.
How one jockey lives and another jockey dies. Why one jockey lives and another jockey dies. The slim sliver of a balance beam that teeters each day, each race, each fall. So many get out, having lived their dream. A few don’t, their dream, stolen.
Michael O’Sullivan had it all. Patience and poise, style and substance, talent and tenacity. Respect in the room, respect in the sport. Cheltenham wins. A Grade 1 win for Willie Mullins. His last big win.
His ride on Marine Nationale in the Supreme in 2023. A pressure ride on a pressure day. He rode it like it was an afternoon hack. A double on the day.
Michael’s family made the decision to donate his organs. Oh, those steely eyes that saw those beautiful strides, the slow-beating heart that kept the calm in the eye of the storm.
Michael O’Sullivan. Gone far too soon.
