RACING has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan aged just 24.

The jumps rider passed away following a fall at Thurles Racecourse in Ireland on February 6.

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Michael O’Sullivan has sadly passed away[/caption]

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The jockey suffered a tragic fall at the Thurles Racecourse earlier this month[/caption]

O’Sullivan was aboard 6-5 fav Wee Charlie when he came down at the final fence of a 2m handicap chase.

The late jockey was airlifted to the Cork University Hospital after the incident, which involved five horses.

The other four riders were all reported to be unhurt and the horses are all believed to be OK.

O’Sullivan remained in intensive care until it was announced, to the shock of the racing world, that he had died in the early hours of Sunday morning, five days shy of his 25th birthday.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board released a statement sending condolences to his family.

It said: “On behalf of the O’Sullivan family, it is with profound sadness that the IHRB confirms the passing of Michael O’Sullivan.

“The directors and staff of the IHRB wish to extend their sincere condolences to Michael’s family, partner, friends, his colleagues, in the weighroom and the wider racing community at this time.”

Dr Jennifer Pugh, chief medical officer of the IHRB also released a statement in which she spoke highly of the jockey.

She said: “Michael sadly passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning surrounded by his loving family in Cork University Hospital.

“We extend our appreciation to the multidisciplinary teams who provided the best of medical care to Michael, both on the racecourse and in Cork University Hospital.

“Michael’s family took the decision to donate his organs at this incredibly difficult time, but in doing so made a choice that will make a real difference to the lives of other patients and their families.

“I have had the privilege of knowing Michael through his amateur and professional career and his dedication, modesty and kind nature always made him a pleasure to be around.

“Michael’s success and his humility will have inspired many and I share the feeling of loss today with all those who knew him.

“Michael’s family would like to reiterate their gratefulness for all the support they have received in the last couple of days and express their appreciation to the local community and racing family.

“The O’Sullivan family have asked for privacy at this time.”

Tributes have flooded social media for the 2023 Supreme-winning jockey.

Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott wrote: “Sending our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Michael O’Sullivan. Rest in peace.”

Renowned pundit Kevin Blake posted: “How utterly cruel life can be.

“It is hard to comprehend what Michael’s family, friends and colleagues are going through. RIP Michael O’Sullivan.”

Legendary trainer Tony Mullins said: “Michael was lovely person and he also had a massive talent. He will always be remembered as a winner. RIP.”

While Sun Racing columnist Ben Pauling said on X: “Just the worst news to wake up to. Quite clearly a huge talent within our sport and will be sorely missed by so many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Fly high Michael.”

A fan wrote: “The news about Michael O’Sullivan is truly heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

A second commented: “Truly heartbreaking news.”

A third said: “Jockeys, especially Jump Jockeys, put their life on the line every day for our entertainment. RIP Michael O’Sullivan, a life ended far too early.”

Another added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. God speed Michael O’Sullivan. May you rest in peace young man.”

Fixtures at Punchestown and the point-to-point meets at Avondu (F) Knockanard, North Tipperary (F) Nenagh and Bray (H) Tinahely have all been cancelled as a showing of respect.

O’Sullivan was one of the rising stars of the weighing room.

He hit the big time when he won the 2024 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle on Barry Connell’s Marine Nationale.

And he made it an incredible day-one double later with victory in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap on Jazzy Matty.

That partnership with Connell severed in recent weeks, and O’Sullivan was given some rides for Willie Mullins.

Their link-up struck gold early on when O’Sullivan delivered a masterclass on Embassy Gardens in the big New Year’s Day Chase at Tramore.

That contest has been won by Gold Cup kings Minella Indo and Al Boum Photo in the past.

O’Sullivan had 87 wins from 1,037 rides over the past five seasons, amassing almost £1.5million in prize money.

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THE MASKED Singer fans have slammed Joel Dommett over his ‘creepy’ habit, fuming ‘it makes my skin crawl’.

While Joel‘s high-energy hosting has been a staple of the ITV1 show, not everyone is a fan of his exaggerated facial expressions and playful leering at the camera.

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The Masked Singer fans have slammed Joel Dommett over his ‘creepy’ habit[/caption]

Some viewers have claimed his style makes them uncomfortable, while others argue it’s all part of the lighthearted fun that makes the show a hit.

Taking to a Digital Spy forum, one asked: “Is it only me who finds the way Joel Dommett leers at the camera really creepy? I know it’s all an act, but it makes my flesh crawl.”

Someone defended the star, replying: “I think you’re reading too much into it. It’s all part of the act, and he provides the necessary silliness that’s perfect for the show. I can’t think of another presenter who’d be better suited to it.”

The original user hit back: “I’m not reading anything into it! I’ve already said that I know it’s all part of the act. It still makes my skin crawl.”

Someone else chimed in with: “It’s his voice that annoys me. The forced jolliness. Ugh.”

Another agreed: “It’s his annoying voice. I like the masked singer. But that ‘ everyboodeee’ gets on my nerves.”

One more joked: “I don’t mind it. Joel can leer at me anytime he likes lol.”

Joel will be front and center as The Masked Singer 2025 finale airs on Saturday.

This year’s finalists – Dressed Crab, Wolf and Pufferfish – will battle it out for the coveted title, with their identities finally set to be revealed.

This series of The Masked Singer UK has already seen some surprising unmaskings.

Good Morning Britain‘s Kate Garraway was revealed as Spaghetti Bolognese while Bake Off legend Prue Leith was unmasked as Pegasus.

Singer Macy Gray shocked viewers when she was revealed as Toad in the Hole, and Carol Decker, lead singer of T’Pau, was behind the Tattoo mask.

Mel Giedroyc was Teeth while Andrea Corr of The Corrs turned out to be Snail and Sir Grayson Perry was Kingfisher.

In last week’s episode, EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy and musician Example were unmasked as Bush and Bear.

This year, TMS’ judging panel features Maya Jama, who took over from Rita Ora, alongside returning stars Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan.

The star-studded panel has been putting their detective skills to the test, trying to guess the celebrities behind the masks.

• The Masked Singer concludes Saturday on ITV1 at 7pm.

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Maya Jama, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall, and Mo Gilligan are on the panel[/caption]

DONALD Trump would back legal action if Prince Harry lied on his visa application and he should be “very worried”, insiders have warned.

The US President previously hinted he may deport Meghan Markle‘s husband amid claims he lied about past drug use on visa forms.

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Donald Trump would back legal action if Prince Harry lied on his visa application[/caption]

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The US President previously hinted he may deport Meghan Markle’s husband[/caption]

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Harry and Meghan Markle moved to the US in 2020[/caption]

But Mr Trump then said: “I don’t want to do that. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

Years of insults include the Duchess of Sussex calling Mr Trump a “misogynist” while he has labelled her “nasty”.

Now a source has told The Mail on Sunday Mr Trump remains committed to Harry facing a criminal prosecution if he is found to have lied.

They said: “President Trump has made it very clear that if Harry is found to have not told the truth on his visa application, then he could face prosecution.”

The source added: “President Trump has said he won’t deport Harry but there is no doubt he would support a prosecution.

“The word in Washington is he should be very worried indeed. There is no love lost between the Sussexes and President Trump.”

Harry’s reference to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his book Spare prompted a conservative Washington DC think tank to question why he was allowed into the US in 2020.

US judge Carl Nichols ruled in September 2024 that the public did not have a strong interest in disclosure of the duke’s immigration records.

But after a fresh challenge, he agreed earlier this month to release the “maximum amount possible” about how Harry, 40, got into the US.

In an order published this week, Judge Nichols formally told the government to state by next Thursday (February 20) which legal documents related to the case can be disclosed.

He said that after that “the Court will determine what portions of those materials can be produced to Heritage”.

Mr Trump, who can intervene and ask for the documents to be released, previously warned that Harry could face consequences if he lied about taking drugs on his US visa application.

The Heritage Foundation brought the lawsuit against the Department for Homeland Security (DHS) after a Freedom of Information Act request was rejected, with the think tank claiming it was of “immense public interest”.

In his controversial memoir, the duke said cocaine “didn’t do anything for me”, adding: “Marijuana is different, that actually really did help me.”

The Heritage Foundation’s lawsuit argued that US law “generally renders such a person inadmissible for entry” to the country.

The think tank also said answers on the duke’s prior drug use in his visa application should have been disclosed as they could raise questions over the US government’s integrity.

In the DHS’s response to the legal claim, it said: “Much like health, financial, or employment information, a person’s immigration information is private personal information.”

The submissions previously made by lawyer John Bardo on behalf of DHS also said no “publicly available information, shows that Prince Harry was ever convicted for a drug-related offence”.

Mr Bardo added that any suggestion from the Heritage Foundation of wrongdoing on behalf of the US government was “purely speculative”.

Mr Trump said in a GB News interview with Nigel Farage in March last year that Harry should not receive preferential treatment.

Asked if the duke should have “special privileges” if he is found to have lied in his application, Mr Trump said: “No. We’ll have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied they’ll have to take appropriate action.”

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Prince Harry takes part in a traditional blanket ceremony in Canada[/caption]

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Harry has been relaxing with pals and enjoying a pint or two at the Invictus Games[/caption]

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Meghan and Meghan at the Games together[/caption]

RYLAN Clark pulled out of his BBC Radio 2 show yesterday as a Strictly Come Dancing contestant stepped in to replace him.

TV favourite Rylan’s Saturday show on the station is much-loved by listeners but his voice was missing from the airwaves this weekend due to illness.

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Stand-in Richie Anderson went down a storm[/caption]

Richie Anderson was the capable person who stepped in at the last minute and was thanked for doing so by the absent host.

Richie said on air: “The reason I’m in is because Rylan’s got the sniffles, apparently.

“However, our listeners disagree because he’s been spotted a lot out and about this week.”

Kate from St Ives, Cornwall wrote in: “I saw Rylan on a nudist beach in Cornwall. And his teeth aren’t the only thing that’s massive. He also has very large feet.”

Another listener said they’d spotted him in Conwy trying to wash cars stopped at traffic lights, while another claimed he’d been in a paint factory in Milton Keynes.

The clip was posted on Instagram and Rylan commented “Lies”, before thanking fans for wishing him better.

Other listeners want Richie, who played sidekick to Zoe Ball on the breakfast show, to get his own show.

One wrote: “Radio 2, come on now, give Richie his own show, he’s fab! Would have been great in the weekend morning slots or weekday afternoons.”

Another said: “Love Richie. He needs to be given a show!”

A third wrote: “Was a brilliant show today. Well done Richie – miss you at breakfast.”

Strictly 2022 star Richie announced his exit from the breakfast show in December, shortly after Ball revealed her decision to leave.

He said: “I have had the most amazing six years on this show. It has been so much fun, and I have loved every single second of it.

“It has been so amazing to come here and be accepted by you (Zoe), Tina (Daheley) and the producers.”

He added of Zoe: “I remember when I met Zoe for the first time in the dressing room at It Takes Two, she came in with hugs and it was like I’d known you forever and you have been the most amazing friend.”

Richie currently presents the travel news on the station on weekday afternoons.

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Richie was part of Zoe Ball’s breakfast show team[/caption]

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He starred on Strictly with Giovanni Pernice in 2022[/caption]

SUNSPORT’S Alan Nixon is the Boss of Goss.

Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…

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Everton are keen on Maxime Esteve from Burnley if they lose Jarrad Branthwaite[/caption]

MAX EFFORT

EVERTON want Burnley’s centre-half Maxime Esteve — but will need to sell Jarrad Branthwaite.

French defender Esteve will be a big target for many clubs in the summer, whether Scott Parker’s side go up or not.

But the 22-year-old is rated in the £30million-plus class so David Moyes may need to balance their books.

Everton accept that Branthwaite, 22, will likely leave for financial fair play reasons this summer — but a £60m pricetag will fund two or three signings.

Everton are eyeing Rotherham teenager Harrison Duncan as one for the future.

Millers boss Steve Evans has had the 16-year-old centre-back on the bench in League One and he started in the EFL Trophy against Newcastle in October.

Toffees are keen to have a close look at the defender, who is in the John Stones mould.

And they may ask for him to spend some time with them.

Duncan has an amazing record at youth level, scoring 11 goals this season.

KOP SHOP FOR KOBEL

LIVERPOOL are taking a shock interest in Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel.

Kop spies are hot on the trail of the Swiss international, 27, ahead of a summer move.

The Reds fear Alisson Becker will be tempted to leave Anfield by a lucrative deal.

They already signed Giorgi Mamardashvili, who arrives in July, but the Georgian has been in below average form for struggling Valencia in LaLiga.

He is still due to come but may not be first choice.

There will have to be a decision on Kobel soon as Chelsea and Barcelona have shortlisted him for a move too.

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Liverpool are looking at Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel[/caption]

FOXES OSO KEEN

LEICESTER hope to make a £10million bid for red-hot Chile winger Dario Osorio.

The Foxes have tracked the international’s progress at Danish side Midtjylland and a work permit will not be an issue.

Osorio, 21, joined from Universidad de Chile in 2023 and fancies bigger things — with the Prem in his sights.

Leicester will still have a crack even if they do not stay up.

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Dario Osorio is a target for Leicester[/caption] https://twitter.com/EuropaLeague/status/1882911505634435459

DERRY WELL

CHELSEA  have  their  eyes  on   controversially raiding Crystal Palace for young winger Jesse Derry.

Derry can operate on either side and has been with the Eagles since he was a kid — his dad Shaun played and worked there.

But Derry Jr, 17, is out of contract in the summer — and Palace will only get minimal training compensation.

The Blues also signed Reggie Watson, son of Palace old boy Ben, when he was 14.

YOU WAT?

BRIGHTON plan to offer LESS for winger Tommy Watson at Sunderland.

Albion’s £8.5million-plus-extras January bid for Watson, 18, was turned down.

A smaller summer offer will follow as they are out of the frantic market.

And Watson may not even get a game to up his value.

WELL-WARNE

PAUL WARNE will be top of the list at Rotherham if manager Steve Evans cannot turn round their League One season.

Warne, 51, is still admired by the Millers from his previous spell in charge and knows the club inside out.

His reputation has not been hurt by his Derby spell.

WELL IN

LEYTON ORIENT have put a £250,000 pricetag on the head of their manager Richie Wellens.

Wellens, 44, is on the shortlist to take over at managerless Blackburn.

He has caught the eye during Orient’s surprise League One play-off bid this season

John Eustace quit Ewood Park for Derby last week.

And Rovers are due to meet candidates this week, including Gary O’Neil and some foreign hopefuls.

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Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens is wanted by Blackburn[/caption]

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Brighton are looking for a permanent home for Valentin Barco[/caption]

VALENTIN’S DAY

BRIGHTON will sell Argentinian left-back Valentin Barco for the right price.

Barco, 20, cost £7.8million from Boca Juniors in January 2024 but has failed to reach the levels wanted.

The wing-back spent the first half of this season on loan in LaLiga at Sevilla.

But he is now in the shop window with French club Strasbourg.

And the Seagulls are attempting to find him a permanent home.

SHOR THING

HUDDERSFIELD are keen to move for teenage midfielder Jackson Shorrocks.

The Blackburn academy youngster captains Rovers’ under-18 side but has been told he can leave Ewood Park.

And the Terriers will be first to have a look.

The 25-year-old suffered a horrific fall earlier this month.

Passengers slipped and fell on others coming down from a footbridge connecting platforms.

No-one is safe!

A positive sign for him at last.

Finally!