Cheltenham Festival to honour Michael O'Sullivan as Supreme Novices Hurdle to run in his memory
HONOURED: The Jockey Club and Sky Bet have announed that Michael O'Sullivan will be honoured as the opening Supreme Novies' Hurdle is to run in his memory at the Cheltenham Festival. Pic: The Jockey Club
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the race that provided Michael O’Sullivan with his greatest moment in the saddle, will be run in his memory at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.
The Cork jockey partnered Marine Nationale to victory in the Festival curtain-raiser in 2023 and the 2025 renewal will be staged as the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.
O’Sullivan tragically died at the age of 24 at Cork University Hospital on February 16 due to injuries sustained in a fall at Thurles 10 days earlier.
Reacting to the news of the renaming of the Supreme, the O’Sullivan family said: “We are deeply proud of Michael’s incredible talent and the legacy he left in the world of racing.
“Renaming the race that marked the pinnacle of his career is a fitting tribute to his skill, dedication, and passion for the sport.
“As a family, we have always admired Michael’s achievements both on and off the track, and it means so much to us to see his talent recognised in this way. The outpouring of tributes over the past week has been a testament to the impact he had on so many lives.
“We would like to sincerely thank the Jockey Club and Sky Bet for giving us this opportunity to honour Michael’s memory and celebrate his remarkable career.”
