Thurles/Cork (Ireland) - Dramatic end to a promising career: Jockey Michael O'Sullivan died in hospital ten days after falling from his horse 'Wee Charlie'. The Irishman was only 24 years old. The horse racing scene in Great Britain and Ireland is deeply shocked.

On Thursday, February 6, O'Sullivan competed in his last race. At Thurles Racecourse in Ireland , there were dramatic falls shortly before the finish line - three riders were thrown from their horses, as reported by the BBC. Among them was O'Sullivan.

It was immediately clear that the 24-year-old had been seriously injured. He was treated by paramedics at the scene before being transported by helicopter to the intensive care unit at Cork University Hospital on the south coast of Ireland. According to AFP, he was placed in an induced coma there.

The jockey and his doctors fought for his life for ten days. On Sunday morning, the Irishman finally passed away as a result of his serious injuries.

"Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family at Cork University Hospital," announced Dr. Jennifer Pugh, Chief Medical Officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), responsible for horseracing in Ireland, this morning.

She continued: "Our thanks go to the interdisciplinary teams who provided Michael with the best possible medical care both on the racecourse and at Cork University Hospital."

On behalf of the family of the deceased, Pugh also thanked everyone for their sympathy for his fate. The IHRB Chief Medical Officer described it as "a pleasure to be near [O'Sullivan]".

He was dedicated, humble and kind. "Michael's success and humility will have inspired many, and today I share the sense of loss with all who knew him."

The jockey celebrated his first victory back in 2018 - around four years later he became a full professional. According to AFP, he competed in just over 1,000 races during his career, 95 of which he and his horses won.