Irish racing and those within the point-to-point scene have been left devastated after well-known amateur rider Mikey O’Connor died suddenly on Thursday after falling 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 which 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 having success in the 2014 Powers Gold Cup, while For Bill was another who benefited from his riding during her early career, winning five times under the Charleville 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.
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.”
O’Connor, 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.
Funeral details will follow.