ALAN O’Sullivan is the brother of the late Irish jockey Michael O’Sullivan.
He will be riding at the Cheltenham Festival 2025, where one of the races has been dedicated to Michael’s memory.
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Rising star
Like his late brother, Alan is an accomplished jockey whose family has a rich background in racing.
His father, William, won first place at the Foxhunter’s Chase in 1991 on a horse bred by Alan’s grandfather.
Maxine, Alan’s cousin, is also a Cheltenham Festival winner.
Michael earned a day one double at Cheltenham in 2023 and was named Irish Champion that same year.
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Although he is only at the very start of his career, Alan has already made waves in the racing scene.
Michael’s tragic death
Sadly, Alan’s brother Michael fell at the final fence at Thurles on February 6, 2025.
He was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital.
After being placed into an induced coma, Michael remained in hospital until he passed away on February 16 – days before his 25th birthday.
Michael’s funeral was held in February, where Charlotte Giles – Michael’s girlfriend – read out a heartwarming poem about her late boyfriend.
At the Cheltenham Festival 2025, The Queen hugged Charlotte when she arrived and even kissed her on the cheek.
Michael’s horse, Marine Nationale, won the Champion Chase after a nail-biting race which saw rivals Quilixios and Libberty Hunter crash out.
Sean Flanagan, the jockey who won the race, said: “Michael, this is for you.
“It’s hugely emotional for a lot of reasons.
“All the jockeys in the world have been under a cloud for the last couple of weeks.
“I’m only the man that steered him around, Michael’s the man who made him what he is and he’ll never be forgotten.”
Cheltenham Festival 2025
The first of the 28 contests at Cheltenham 2025 was named the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, in honour of Alan’s brother.
Alan will be competing at 5.20pm for the Kim Muir Handicap Chase on March 13, 2025.
He will be riding a horse named Walking on Air.
