MICHAEL O’Sullivan’s jockey brother is to ride for the first time at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.
On Tuesday Alan was a guest of honour alongside Michael’s girlfriend Charlotte as the tragic star was remembered before the 2025 Festival’s opening race.
The amateur rider on Tuesday with Michael’s girlfriend Charlotte and Royal Family member Zara Tindall[/caption]
On February 16 Michael died from injuries he’d sustained in a horror fall in Thurles ten days previous[/caption]
But Thursday will in fact see him jump into the saddle as he mounts Walking On Air for the Kim Muir Handicap Chase – which is the final race scheduled for the day.
The Gary Brown-trained eight-year-old is priced at 8/1 to provide what would surely be the four-day meet’s most popular winner.
Walking on Air’s career record stands at two victories from 14 outings. However, he did fall last time out.
Charlotte was moved to tears as her beloved boyfriend was remembered all around Prestbury Park before the Supreme Mares Hurdle – which had been renamed after him.
All participating jockeys wore an armband adorned with the Cork flag in acknowledgement of the late rider who would’ve been competing in it were it not for his premature death.
The race wound up staying true to the form book as 4/6 favourite Kopek Des Bordes finished a length clear of 8/1 shot William Munny.
William Munny would’ve been a crowd-pleasing winner as the Barry Connell-trained gelding bore the yellow and blue colours synonymous with O’Sullivan’s most illustrious winner in this race two years ago.
At Michael’s funeral last month Charlotte moved others to tears as she read out a gut-wrenching poem she’d composed in his memory.
It read: “Around the home bend, he came, so proud. A jockey, strong, with heart unbowed.
“The cheers of Cheltenham rose to the sky. As he galloped past, swift as a sigh.
“In the saddle, he knew no fear. Chasing victory, his purpose clear.
“The crowd erupted with each swift stride. But it was his love that burned inside.
“With the reins in his hands and the wind at his back, he’d race through life, never looking back.
“A man of grit, of courage, and grace, whose smile could light up the darkest space.
“His spirit runs free, beyond the track. And in my heart, he’s forever mine.
“My love, my life, my endless love.”
Hundreds of heartbroken mourners attended the service which took place at the St John the Baptist Church in his native Cork.
Amongst those who paid their respects were Willie Mullins, his son Patrick, and legendary former jockey Ruby Walsh.
Between tributes to Michael from his beloved girlfriend and his grief-stricken father William, there was not a dry eye in sight.