Charlotte Giles, the girlfriend of dead jockey Michael O’Sullivan, who passed away this year in a tragic accident, met with Queen Camilla at the Cheltenham Festival on day two of the event.
Having also been present at an emotional day one, which saw the renamed Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Mares Hurdle take place and had participating jockeys wear an armband with the Cork flag on in remembrance, she was seen chatting to Camilla on the second day.
O’Sullivan, the Cheltenham Festival winning jockey and one of racing’s rising stars, tragically died due to the injuries he sustained in a fall at Thurles in February.
The sport went into a state of mourning for the 24-year-old, who had been in Cork University Hospital since February 7 when his mount, Wee Charlie, crashed out at the final fence. He passed away on the morning of February 16, five days short of his 25th birthday, with his family by his side.
O’Sullivan, whose biggest day in the saddle came at Cheltenham two years ago when he rode a double on Marine Nationale and Jazzy Matty, had been in an induced coma since he was airlifted to hospital after the incident, which led to the abandonment of the remainder of the Thurles card.
Giles, wearing a plum coat, wiped away a tear as she watched on, with the winner Kopek des Bordes paying tribute to O’Sullivan in the aftermath.
Charlotte Giles (pictured), the girlfriend of dead jockey Michael O’Sullivan, met Queen Camilla at Cheltenham on day two
The two shared a warm embrace less than a month on from O’Sullivan’s tragic death
Giles cut an emotional figure on day one as tributes were paid to O’Sullivan, who died aged 24
O’Sullivan has tragically died last month from injuries he suffered during a fall on track
O’Sullivan was the first Irish National Hunt jockey to lose his life in an incident on course since Kieran Kelly, who died on August 12, 2003 following a fall at Kilbeggan four days earlier. As a mark of respect to O’Sullivan, Punchestown cancelled the card they were due to stage on the day of his death.
In a statement Jennifer Pugh, the chief medical officer of the Irish Horse Racing Board, 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 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.’
O’Sullivan was a hugely respected young jockey, with a dedicated commitment to his profession. He had become a frequent visitor to tracks in England and rode winners at Hereford and Bangor-on-Dee last November.
The Queen, meanwhile, joined Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall as they arrived for ‘Style Wednesday’.
They joined a rather chilly Cheltenham for day two of the festival – traditionally dubbed Ladies Day – but renamed last year after the show announced they would hand out fashion awards to both men and women.
O’Sullivan, a two-time winner at Cheltenham, was involved in a five-horse pile-up at Thurles
Queen Camilla, meanwhile, attended on Style Wednesday, previously named Ladies Day
The Queen and Giles posed with Barry Connell and Sean Flanagan after the Queen Mother Champion Chase
The now-named gender-neutral Style Wednesday sees punters go the extra mile to impress with their glamorous ensembles – and those representing the royal family certainly did not disappoint.
The three royals appeared to be matching, all wearing various shades of burgundy in a display of unity, while first cousins Eugenie and Zara posed for photos together.
Meanwhile King Charles’s niece Zara Tindall shared a passionate smooch with her husband Mike as they arrived at the event.
