Irish Jockey Mikey O'Connor Drops Dead at 44: 'A Young Man in His Prime'

The Irish horse racing world is in shock after the sudden death of well-known jockey Mikey O’Connor.

O’Connor died suddenly after collapsing while working in his yard.

He was just 44 years old.

According to the Irish Field, O’Connor died of a suspected heart attack at his Co Cork stables.

He reportedly collapsed unexpectedly and died almost immediately.

Attempts to resuscitate O’Connor were unsuccessful.

O’Connor was one of the most accomplished point-to-point riders in Ireland, notching 429 wins in his career.

The record places him among the top five in the sport’s history.

He rode his first winner, Glitter Girl, in February 1999 at Kilworth and went on to build a reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected horseman.

In addition to his riding career, O’Connor also found success as a trainer.

He recorded 27 point-to-point victories and 21 winners under rules, the most recent being Therellbguddaysyet at Thurles last November.

O’Connor was a three-time winner of the Southern title and partnered with many top handlers, including Paul O’Flynn, John O’Shaughnessy, James Sheehan, David Fitzgerald, and Tom Cooper.

He had a particularly strong partnership with trainer Mick Winters, who provided him with 16 of his 87 winners under rules.

O’Connor’s first big breakthrough came with Grade 1 winner Rebel Fitz, whom he rode to early success before the horse went on to win the Powers Gold Cup in 2014.

He also rode For Bill to five victories during her career and guided multiple Grade 1 champion Forpadydeplasterer to his debut bumper win at Galway.

The horse would later win the prestigious Arkle Trophy.

Trainer Mick Winters described O’Connor as a relentless competitor.

“What a great horseman he was,” Winters said.

“He was never found wanting in a finish.

“He was hungry for winners.

“I’d say we were never beaten when we should have won; he was that strong-willed.”

Winters recalled O’Connor’s battles with fellow top amateur Derek O’Connor, particularly a 2009 victory at Ballingarry with Rule Supreme.

“There were great scenes that day,” he said.

“Buckets of water were thrown over him to calm him down, as well as the horse.

“They always had great battles.”

Leading amateur rider Derek O’Connor also paid tribute to his longtime rival.

“It’s very tragic. A young man in his prime,” he said.

“We had a lot of ferocious tussles for championships, and he was always a worthy competitor.

“Mikey was a tough, competitive jockey, and you always needed to be at the top of your game around him.

“It is such tragic circumstances for his young family.”

O’Connor is survived by his wife Mags, daughters Sophie and Rachel, son Dylan — a promising apprentice jockey — his mother Noreen, and his twin sister Elaine.

He will repose at O’Keeffe’s Funeral Home in Buttevant on Sunday evening from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with prayers to follow.