Irish racing pays tribute to point-to-point rider Mikey O'Connor after his sudden death aged 44

Irish racing and those within the point-to-point scene have been left devastated following the sudden death of well-known amateur rider Mikey O’Connor on Thursday after he fell ill while working in his yard.

The 44-year-old was a stalwart of the pointing scene with 429 wins, which places him in the top five Irish point riders of all time. He partnered his first winner, Glitter Girl, in February 1999 at Kilworth.

O’Connor also enjoyed success as a trainer, with 27 point-to-point wins and 21 under rules, the most recent of whom was Therellbguddaysyet at Thurles in November.

A three-time winner of the Southern title, the Cork man struck up particular success with handlers Paul O’Flynn, John O’Shaughnessy, James Sheehan, David Fitzgerald and Tom Cooper. However, it was Mick Winters who gave him his most memorable days on the track, providing 16 of his 87 winners under rules.

Grade 1 winner Rebel Fitz was first ridden to victory by O’Connor before winning the 2014 Powers Gold Cup, while For Bill was another who benefited from his riding during her early career, winning five times under the rider. 

A family man with three children, including promising young apprentice Dylan, O'Connor also played a big role in the career of multiple Grade 1 winner and Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer, riding him to victory for his debut Galway bumper success.

Forpadydeplasterer: partnered by Mikey O'Connor for debut bumper success at GalwayCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Reacting to the news, Winters said: “It's very sad. What a great horseman he was. He was never found wanting in a finish. He was stable jockey with us for many years and he was hungry for winners. I’d say we were never beaten when we should have won; he was that strong-willed.  

“He had plenty of tussles with Derek O’Connor and I remember at Ballingarry in 2009 when he won with Rule Supreme on the last day. There were great scenes that day. There were buckets of water thrown over him to calm him down, as well as the horse. They always had great battles.

“He used to look up to John Thomas McNamara, they got on well with plenty of banter. He was part of the history of Irish points through the years.” 

Leading amateur rider Derek O'Connor paid tribute to a "worthy competitor" with whom he had many battles. He said: "It's very tragic. A young man in his prime. We had a lot of ferocious tussles for championships and he was always a worthy competitor. A fierce rider, he rode to an extremely high standard. 

"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 and I am sending my best wishes to those closest to him."

The rider, who had four point winners last season, is survived by his wife Mags, daughters Sophie and Rachel, son Dylan, mother Noreen and twin sister Elaine.

O'Connor is reposing in O'Keeffe's Funeral Home, Bank Place, Buttevant on Sunday evening from 5.30pm to 8.00pm, followed by prayers. A reception will be held at St Joseph's Church, Liscarroll on Monday morning for Requiem Mass at noon, after which O'Connor will be laid to rest in St Brigid's Cemetery in Buttevant.