The exceptionally talented young rider tragically passed away at the age of just 24

The trophy awarded each year to Ireland's leading claiming professional jump jockey will be permanently renamed the Michael O'Sullivan Trophy, honouring the exceptionally gifted young rider who tragically died aged just 24 on February 16 2025, following a fall on the track ten days earlier.

Michael O'Sullivan, a widely respected and uniquely talented rider from Lombardstown, County Cork, left a massive impression on the sport throughout his outstanding career, most notably securing the 2022/2023 Irish National Hunt Champion Claiming Professional title after riding 32 winners during an exceptional breakthrough season.

The renaming of the trophy guarantees that his commitment and legacy will remain immortalised as the ultimate accolade for emerging jump jockeys.

Celebrated for his professionalism, humility, and remarkable ability, Michael began his journey in the point-to-point arena while still at secondary school. He climbed swiftly through the point-to-point ranks, claiming the Champion Under 21 Point-to-Point Rider crown in 2019, all while pursuing a degree in agricultural science at University College Dublin.

He turned professional at the start of September 2022 and made an instant impression when riding a winner just two weeks later, on only his 14th ride, aboard the Robert Tyner-trained Dangan Des Champs at Sligo. Michael's claim had dropped to 5lbs when he triumphed in the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at the Fairyhouse Winter Festival in December 2022 aboard Marine Nationale.

Further Grade 1 glory followed at the Dublin Racing Festival in February 2023 on Good Land – with both horses trained by Barry Connell.

A sensational opening day double unfolded for Michael at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, where he steered Marine Nationale to a memorable triumph in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle before claiming 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 awarded for the first time on Saturday, 1 May 2027, the final day of the Punchestown Festival, which marks the end of the 2026/2027 National Hunt season.