Latest news with #CheltenhamFestival-winning
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Track where Michael O'Sullivan suffered fall which cost him his life announces closure
Thurles, Ireland's only privately owned racecourse, will stage no more racing after the Molony family declared they were stepping away from the sport The track where tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan suffered the fall which cost him his life is to close with immediate effect. Thurles racecourse, Ireland's only privately owned track, has staged jump racing in Co Tipperary since 1732 and since the early 1900s has been owned by the Molony family. It's best known race is the Kinloch Brae Chase in January, won by the likes of Native Upmanship, Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill, Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Don Cossack and Sizing John and the top-class Allaho. It is one of three Grade 2 races run during its 11 meeting season. It was in the news in February this year when Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan suffered serious injuries in a five horse pile-up at the final fence of a chase at Thurles on February 6 in which his mount Wee Charlie was fatally injured. The 24-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Cork and died ten days later. An IHRB investigation into the incident found 'no evidence of human error, equipment failure, or environmental factors as the primary cause'. 'The incident was attributed to the inherent risks of National Hunt racing, with a series of independent falls triggering an unavoidable chain reaction,' the report said. The track's next scheduled fixture is in October but it will not take place following the Molony family's shock announcement on Friday that it will close immediately, a decision blamed on increasing industry demands and rising costs. A statement from Riona Molony said: 'It has been an honour and a privilege for our family to have run Thurles Racecourse, and I am officially announcing our retirement today. 'We are very proud of the immense contribution our family has made to racing and we are most grateful to our extended racecourse family, our dedicated staff, generous sponsors, loyal patrons and the wider racing community for all your support. 'Horse-racing is part of the fabric of our family, and we have been very fortunate to have made so many great friends within the industry over the years. My family and I look forward to going racing with you again, as spectators. 'Since my beloved husband Pierce passed away in 2015, with the help of our four daughters Patricia, Helen, Ann Marie and Kate and our wonderful staff, we've managed to keep the show on the road and I know he would be very proud of us for that. 'The girls all have their own families, careers and lives to live. Ever increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business has also been a major factor. 'We're going to enjoy this time together and relax now the decision is made and the news is out before we consider our options.' Don't miss a FREE £2 William Hill shop bet inside your Mirror every day of Glorious Goodwood Festival Pick up your Mirror every day of the Goodwood festival to get your hands on 12 page pullouts packed with insight from the punters you trust, plus FREE William Hill shop bets every day of the festival from Tuesday July 29 until Saturday August 2, 2025. Find out more here.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Michael O'Sullivan's brother pays emotional tribute to tragic jockey after big win
Alan O'Sullivan remembered the Cheltenham Festival-winning rider after riding the JP McManus-owned Filey Bay to victory in a valuable Flat handicap at the Galway Festival The brother of Michael O'Sullivan paid an emotional tribute to the tragic jockey after riding a big winner at the famous Galway Festival. Cheltenham Festival-winning rider Michael died in February aged 24 from injuries sustained in a five horse pile-up at the final fence of a chase at Thurles in February. He was the subject of numerous tributes at the Cheltenham Festival where his loved ones, including amateur rider brother Alan, were present to see the jockey's first Festival winner Marine Nationale win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in March, then by an uncanny coincidence Jazzy Matty, O'Sullivan's other Cheltenham Festival winner, scored later on the same day. On Thursday Alan was riding the JP McManus-owned Filey Bay, trained by Emmet Mullins, in the Connact Hotel (Q.R.) Handicap. He had to weave a path to get a run on the 7-1 chance and when he did he fairly shot clear, with the winning jockey looking to the skies as he passed the line four and three-quarter lengths ahead of Mon Coeur. 'It's unbelievable, my goal at the start of the year was to be good enough that someone might want me for this. He was looking down on me, I think,' said O'Sullivan. 'When I wanted the gaps, they came for me, I got a dream run. I probably went the brave man's route, but I thought it's what Mikey would have done. I had loads of horse, if I got any gap at all I had the horse to take it.' Winning trainer Mullins said: 'It was meant to be and I'm a bit lost for words. It's just magic. It was Michael's saddle that Alan was using today. Michael rode a few times for me here and I think we hit the crossbar twice, so Alan steadied the ship. 'It's been a long enough road with the horse. We had him last season and I sent him home twice as I just wasn't happy. Thankfully with JP the patience has paid off. 'Alan was keen to ride him, and I was keen to claim off him as well. For 7lb claimers you don't need to look any further than Alan.' Don't miss a FREE £2 William Hill shop bet inside your Mirror every day of Glorious Goodwood Festival Pick up your Mirror every day of the Goodwood festival to get your hands on 12 page pullouts packed with insight from the punters you trust, plus FREE William Hill shop bets every day of the festival from Tuesday July 29 until Saturday August 2, 2025. Find out more here.
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years
He said emotions at his Berkshire base are 'still raw' after the devastating losses AWFUL TRAGEDY Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEARTBROKEN trainer Warren Greatrex has bravely opened up on the deaths of three young workers at his yard - remembering them all as 'great lads'. The Lambourn-based jumps trainer has had to be a father figure and counsellor for those rocked by the suicides of Michael Pitt, David Thompson and, most recently, Billy Moffatt. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Billy Moffatt, who was in his early 20s when he was found dead, was the third yard worker for Warren Greatrex to take his own life in just four years Credit: Facebook 3 Michael Pitt was found dead aged 19 in the first tragedy to rock the trainer's stables Credit: Hyde News & Pictures 3 The Lambourn-based, Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, said he considers himself a father figure to everyone who works for him - and worrying about them rather than himself is the only way to deal with such devastating losses Credit: Rex Pitt was just 19 and a promising amateur jockey when he took his own life in July 2021. Greatrex, who had just moved to his Rhonehurst yard at the time, described the soul-crushing experience as 'horrible'. Just seven months later, in February 2022, popular stable lad Thompson, 25, was found dead. The huge Chelsea fan, who was reported missing in the days prior, had written a letter saying the happiest days of his life had been working for Greatrex, who said the second death 'hit me so hard'. Then in May this year, Moffatt, who was in his early 20s, was found dead in his accommodation - the third death in just four years. Greatrex, a Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, admitted he 'never thought' he would have to go through such shock and pain. He told Luck on Sunday on Racing TV the passing of all three and the devastating impact on those who worked alongside them every day was still 'raw'. And he said to know the lads you would have had absolutely no idea any were struggling to the extent they were. Explaining the magnitude of the losses and how best he tried to deal with it, an emotional Greatrex said: "I am the trainer so when I have a member of staff I am like a father figure as well. "Parents entrust you to look after their children. "I do feel responsible and all I am, and have been worried about, is everyone else. "I never thought I'd have a situation like this. "Even now it's tough to talk about - but in the situation all you are worried about is everyone else. "None of those three lads you would have had any idea that they would do that. "All three lads were really good young men. They were funny, good to be around. "Billy was a larger-than-life Newcastle lad who touched a lot of people because he was great fun to be around. "But there aren't any signs." Greatrex also spoke about the stresses and strains of working in the sport and how charity Racing Welfare have helped. He said while 'no words can describe the devastation' of the deaths, Racing Welfare were at his yard 'within minutes' to offer support to those coming to terms with the losses. His words pleading for more to be done with alcohol and drugs in racing came just days after champion jockey Oisin Murphy was charged with drink-driving ahead of his appearance at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Greatrex continued: "I think when you're surrounded by young people there will be times when there will be drinking, there will be drug use - that's just the way of the world now unfortunately. "Maybe there is a way that people can recognise it (drug use) and help people with what they can and can't do, or at least guide them in the right direction. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 "I always find when a member of staff comes into the yard I am responsible. "But when they leave the yard I can't keep an eye on them and have their back or look after them all the time. "There will be times when members of staff come to speak to me or someone else senior like Tessa my wife, and of course we always do our best to help them. "But when they leave the yard I am helpless. "Still, I want them to be able to come to me. "I am a father and when my children go anywhere, or to other yards, you want them to be looked after and navigated in the right direction." Greatrex will take part in a marathon hike in support of Racing Welfare on Sunday - donate to their cause HERE.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years
HEARTBROKEN trainer Warren Greatrex has bravely opened up on the deaths of three young workers at his yard - remembering them all as 'great lads'. The Lambourn-based jumps trainer has had to be a father figure and counsellor for those rocked by the suicides of Michael Pitt, David Thompson and, most recently, Billy Moffatt. 3 Billy Moffatt, who was in his early 20s when he was found dead, was the third yard worker for Warren Greatrex to take his own life in just four years Credit: Facebook 3 Michael Pitt was found dead aged 19 in the first tragedy to rock the trainer's stables Credit: Hyde News & Pictures 3 The Lambourn-based, Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, said he considers himself a father figure to everyone who works for him - and worrying about them rather than himself is the only way to deal with such devastating losses Credit: Rex Pitt was just 19 and a promising amateur jockey when he Greatrex, who had just moved to his Rhonehurst yard at the time, described the soul-crushing experience as 'horrible'. Just seven months later, in February 2022, popular stable lad The huge Chelsea fan, who was reported missing in the days prior, had written a letter saying the happiest days of his life had been working for Greatrex, who said the second death 'hit me so hard'. Then in May this year, Moffatt, who was in his early 20s, was Greatrex, a Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, admitted he 'never thought' he would have to go through such shock and pain. He told And he said to know the lads you would have had absolutely no idea any were struggling to the extent they were. Most read in Horse Racing Explaining the magnitude of the losses and how best he tried to deal with it, an emotional Greatrex said: "I am the trainer so when I have a member of staff I am like a father figure as well. "Parents entrust you to look after their children. "I do feel responsible and all I am, and have been worried about, is everyone else. "I never thought I'd have a situation like this. "Even now it's tough to talk about - but in the situation all you are worried about is everyone else. "None of those three lads you would have had any idea that they would do that. "All three lads were really good young men. They were funny, good to be around. "Billy was a larger-than-life Newcastle lad who touched a lot of people because he was great fun to be around. "But there aren't any signs." Greatrex also spoke about the stresses and strains of working in the sport and how charity Racing Welfare have helped. He said while 'no words can describe the devastation' of the deaths, Racing Welfare were at his yard 'within minutes' to offer support to those coming to terms with the losses. His words pleading for more to be done with alcohol and drugs in racing came just days after champion jockey Greatrex continued: "I think when you're surrounded by young people there will be times when there will be drinking, there will be drug use - that's just the way of the world now unfortunately. "Maybe there is a way that people can recognise it (drug use) and help people with what they can and can't do, or at least guide them in the right direction. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, "I always find when a member of staff comes into the yard I am responsible. "But when they leave the yard I can't keep an eye on them and have their back or look after them all the time. "There will be times when members of staff come to speak to me or someone else senior like Tessa my wife, and of course we always do our best to help them. "But when they leave the yard I am helpless. "Still, I want them to be able to come to me. Read more on the Irish Sun "I am a father and when my children go anywhere, or to other yards, you want them to be looked after and navigated in the right direction." Greatrex will take part in a marathon hike in support of Racing Welfare on Sunday - donate to their cause
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I was a Grand National jockey shown ‘lifeless' at Aintree after horrific fall – now I'm making a comeback for my kids
A FORMER Grand National jockey shown 'lifeless' on the Aintree turf to millions after a devastating fall is ignoring doctors and making a shock return to the saddle. Davy Condon, who looked destined to be racing's next big thing after being snapped up by Advertisement 3 Davy Condon was a superstar jockey but saw his world come crashing down in a horrific Grand National fall Credit: Alamy 3 A Cheltenham Festival-winning rider, he had banged in winners for Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott Credit: Alamy 3 But Condon was forced to retire after millions watching on home saw his limp body lie motionless on the Aintree turf following a fall from Portrait King in the 2015 National The Irish rider, who TV images showed face-down in the mud as on-course medics rushed to his side, was left with 'spinal concussion' and forced to retire aged 30. Condon was one of the top riders at the time, a teenage sensation-turned-Cheltenham Festival winner and Group 1 champion. But his world came crashing down that Saturday afternoon ten years ago when he was launched from Portrait King at the third-last fence in a Grand National won by Many Clouds. "I was lying on the ground. I couldn't move," he recalled. Advertisement He spent two nights in hospital as a result with doctors ultimately telling him it was too dangerous to ride again. Condon officially called it quits later that month and admitted to 'feeling lost' in the days afterwards. But a decade later he has decided to risk it all again and race at the Curragh in Ireland later this year. Condon will don his silks, lace up his boots and grab his whip for the Pat Smullen Charity Race on August 30. Advertisement Most read in Horse Racing The contest raised funds for Cancer Trials Ireland and is run in honour of nine-time champion Irish jockey Pat Smullen, who died from pancreatic cancer in September 2020. Condon, dad to two young boys aged four and six, said he was moved to race again partly because of them. He told the Condon, who worked as an assistant for Gordon Elliott before going to break in horses for Shadwell in Dubai only to return as assistant to Cheltenham Festival-winning trianer Cian Collins, said: "I wanted to ride in a charity race as a kind of mid-life crisis thing! Advertisement "I have two young boys who are four and six and they never saw me riding. "They see the photos and are always asking me questions. "I told my cousin Paul Townend I wanted to do a charity race and he pointed me in the direction of this one at the Curragh. "I was emotional telling the children I was going to be in the race. Advertisement "They were jumping around the place, all excited." Condon won millions in the saddle, having been signed by Mullins at an early age. He was a Grade 1 winner under the all-conquering Closutton boss, landing the 2007 Supreme on 40-1 outsider Ebaziyan. Condon and Mullins also had success with the likes of serial winner Homer Wells, Holy Orders, Our Ben and Jayo. Advertisement But it was with Noel Meade and Gordon Elliott he would enjoy later victories, his final Grade 1 being the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle aboard Morning Assembly at Punchestown in April 2013. Donate to his FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. Advertisement
