Ireland’s leading claimer award renamed Michael O’Sullivan Trophy

Michael O'Sullivan's family spoke to Racing TV on Monday

The trophy presented annually to the leading claiming professional jump jockey in Ireland will be permanently renamed the Michael O’Sullivan Trophy, commemorating the exceptionally talented young rider who tragically passed away at the age of just 24 on February 16, 2025, after a fall on the track ten days earlier.

Michael O’Sullivan, a widely admired and uniquely gifted rider from Lombardstown, County Cork, made an indelible mark on the sport over his brilliant career, notably capturing the 2022/2023 Irish National Hunt Champion Claiming Professional title after riding 32 winners during a remarkable breakthrough season.

The renaming of the trophy ensures that his dedication and legacy will be enshrined as the pinnacle of achievement for rising jump jockeys.

Renowned for his professionalism, modesty, and exceptional skill, Michael made his start in the point-to-point field while a secondary school student. He rose rapidly through the point-to-point ranks, taking the Champion Under 21 Point-to-Point Rider crown in 2019, all while studying for a degree in agricultural science from University College Dublin.

He turned professional at the beginning of September 2022 and made an immediate impact when riding a winner two weeks later, on just his 14th ride, on the Robert Tyner-trained Dangan Des Champs at Sligo. 

Michael’s claim was down to 5lb by the time he won the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at the Fairyhouse Winter Festival in December 2022 on Marine Nationale. He was a Grade 1 winner again at the Dublin Racing Festival in February 2023 on Good Land – both horses being trained by Barry Connell. 

Michael recorded a spectacular day one double at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, where he guided Marine Nationale to an unforgettable victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before landing the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle on Jazzy Matty for Gordon Elliott.

Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, said: "We are immensely grateful and deeply honoured to have the blessing of Bernie, William, Alan, and the entire O'Sullivan family to rename the Irish National Hunt Champion Claiming Professional Trophy in Michael's memory.

“It will be a fitting reminder to every future champion claiming professional jockey of the immense talent, dedication and humility that Michael brought to our sport. 

“Michael was a true gentleman who left a lasting mark on the weigh room and everyone who knew him, and I have no doubt that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of young riders following in his footsteps.”

The O’Sullivan family expressed their profound pride in the gesture, stating: "We are deeply touched that Michael’s memory will be carried forward through the presentation of the Michael O’Sullivan Trophy to the champion claiming professional at the culmination of each jump season. Michael poured his heart into his riding and loved the racing community. To have his name permanently attached to the title he was so proud to win is a beautiful and fitting tribute to his legacy."

The Michael O’Sullivan Trophy will be presented for the first time on Saturday May 1, 2027, the last day of the Punchestown Festival, which marks the conclusion of the 2026/2027 National Hunt season.

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