Tributes paid to top jockey Irish after sudden death at work aged 44

“Mikey was one of Ireland’s leading point-to-point riders riding over 400 winners and won three Southern titles. May he rest in peace.”

One of Ireland’s most successful point-to-point jockeys was laid to rest on Friday following his sudden death at work, aged 44. Mikey O’Connor had achieved more than 429 point-to-point victories since his first win 26 years ago, ranking him fifth in Ireland’s all-time records.

He also claimed 90 winners under National Hunt rules, with his crowning achievement being a Listed contest for Mick Winters in 2009. He was the first jockey to partner Winter’s future Grade 1 champion Rebel Fitz to victory and played a part in the career of Cheltenham Festival winner Forpadydeplasterer, steering him to success on his bumper debut.

O’Connor also experienced success as a trainer, preparing 27 point-to-point champions and 21 under regulations.

The Irish Field reported that O’Connor died from a suspected cardiac arrest at his Co Cork yard.

Horse Racing Ireland expressed their condolences: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Mikey O’Connor has passed away. We send our condolences to his family, friends and racing colleagues,” according to the Mirror, reports the Irish Mirror.

“Mikey was one of Ireland’s leading point-to-point riders riding over 400 winners and won three Southern titles. May he rest in peace.”

The father-of-three had persevered through significant injuries throughout his career, the most serious happening after a final fence fall at Boulta in 2014.

O’Connor needed air ambulance transport to hospital and, despite continuing to compete successfully, he required medical approval from the course doctor before each outing. His teenage son Dylan, a former pony racing champion, has ridden four winners in his debut season as a Flat apprentice.

O’Connor played a crucial role in the early career of the legendary Denman, the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, riding him when the horse known as ‘The Tank’ was being trained and during his schooling.