Mikey O’Connor rode more than 400 winners to put him among Ireland’s most successful riders in the sphere and had an early association with the great Denman
One of Ireland’s most successful point-to-point riders was mourned on Friday following his sudden death at work, aged 44. Mikey O’Connor had ridden more than 429 point-to-point winners since his first success 26 years ago to put him in fifth position in the all-time ranks in Ireland.
He also rode 90 winners under rules, his biggest success coming in a Listed race for Mick Winters in 2009. He was the first rider to win on Winter’s future Grade 1 winner Rebel Fitz and had also played a part in the career of Cheltenham Festival winner Forpadydeplasterer, winning on him on his bumper debut.
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O’Connor had also enjoyed success as a trainer, saddling 27 point-to-point winners and 21 under rules.
According to the Irish Field, O’Connor died of a suspected heart attack at his Co Cork stables.
Horse Racing Ireland said: “We are deeply saddened to hear that Mikey O’Connor has passed away. We send our condolences to his family, friends and racing colleagues.
“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.”
Father-of-three O’Connor had to overcome significant injuries during his career, the most serious which occurred after a last fence fall at Boulta in 2014.
O’Connor had to be airlifted the hospital and while he continued to ride with success, he required medical clearance from the raceday doctor each time he was in action.
His teenage son Dylan is a former pony racing champion who has ridden four winners in his debut season as a Flat apprentice.
O’Connor played a key role in the early career of the great Denman, the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, riding him when the horse known as ‘The Tank’ was being broken in and in his schooling
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