- No evidence of human error, equipment failure or environmental factors as cause
- Response from medical, veterinary, and logistical teams was swift and professional
- Recommendations put forward to further enhance safety in Irish horseracing
The Curragh, 25 March 2025 – The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) today announced the publication of its Summary Report following a critical incident review of the tragic accident at Thurles Racecourse on 6 February 2025. The incident, which occurred during the Racing Again February 20th Handicap Steeplechase, resulted in the death of jockey Michael O’Sullivan and the euthanasia of the horse, Wee Charlie. The report, finalised on 12 March 2025 after a comprehensive review conducted between 10–28 February, outlines key findings and proposes actionable recommendations to enhance safety in Irish horseracing.
The accident unfolded as five horses and jockeys were involved in a chain reaction of falls at the final fence. Michael O’Sullivan suffered severe head injuries and, despite immediate emergency response and expert care at Cork University Hospital, passed away on 16 February. Wee Charlie was euthanised on 10 February due to a leg injury sustained in the fall. The other jockeys and horses involved sustained no significant injuries.
The IHRB’s review, informed by video analysis, eyewitness accounts, and post-incident inspections, 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 response from medical, veterinary, and logistical teams was swift and professional, adhering to IHRB protocols and best practices.
While no single preventable factor was identified, the IHRB has put forward several recommendations to further safeguard the sport:
- Enhanced Training: Expand racecourse safety training with scenario-based drills for multi-horse incidents and advanced medical training for severe head injuries and emergency air service coordination.
- Track Improvements: Review track configurations and conditions, including the prioritisation of a watering system at Thurles to ensure ground consistency.
- Data Monitoring: Implement real-time tracking of fall rates to identify trends and address risks proactively.
- Veterinary Advances: Standardise sedation safety procedures, mandate postmortems for racing-related equine fatalities, and explore technology to assess horse suitability to race.
IHRB Chief Executive, Darragh O’Loughlin, said: “This tragic incident has deeply affected the horseracing community, and our thoughts remain with Michael O’Sullivan’s family and friends, his colleagues and all those touched by his loss. The professionalism of our emergency teams was exemplary, but we are committed to learning from this event. These recommendations reflect our resolve to enhance safety while preserving the integrity of the sport we regulate.”
The IHRB noted the improved safety record at Thurles Racecourse since its 2020 reconfiguration, which reduced its fall rate from 9.9% to 3.8%. However, this incident underscores the unpredictable nature of racing and the need for continuous improvement.
The IHRB will now work with stakeholders—including medical and veterinary professionals, racecourses, jockeys and trainers—to implement these recommendations, ensuring the well-being of all participants remains paramount.
“The IHRB maintains a relentless focus on safety to minimise the risk of racing related injury or harm to all participants. We owe it to Michael, to our riders, and to everyone in our sport to keep pushing forward,” O’Loughlin added. “This report is a step toward that goal.”