Ireland’s only privately-owned racecourse was set to shut permanently with immediate effect but will now stay open until at least March 2026
Thurles racecourse has been saved until at least March 2026 following a meeting between Horse Racing Ireland and owners the Molony family on Thursday. It was announced on August 1 the course was to close with immediate effect after the Molony family, who had owned the track since the early 1900s, decided to retire from racing.
It’s best known race is the Kinloch Brae Chase in January, won by the likes of Native Upmanship, Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill, Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Don Cossack and Sizing John and the top-class Allaho. It is one of three Grade 2 races run during its 11 meeting season.
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It was in the news in February this year when Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O’Sullivan suffered serious injuries in a five horse pile-up at the final fence of a chase at the track on February 6 from which he subsequently died.
No blame was attached to the racecourse in the subsequent inivestigation with the Molonys attributing the decision to cease business to increasing industry demands and rising costs.
A joint-statement from HRI and the Molony family said: “Following a positive meeting this afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, Thurles Race Company will facilitate the continuation of horse racing at Thurles Racecourse until March 2026, with operational responsibility of the racecourse passing to Horse Racing Ireland.
“Today’s agreement, made possible in conjunction with the Association of Irish Racecourses, the IHRB, and the support of the wider industry, will see Thurles Racecourse fulfil its 11 fixtures through to March 2026, resuming as scheduled on Thursday, October 9.
“Keeping Thurles operational until March of next year affords all interested parties time to consider a longer-term plan for the racecourse.”
Multiple champion trainer Willie Mullins was among those who expressed their disappointment when the original closure news broke, saying at the time it had come as a “major shock”, adding: “It will be a huge blow for Irish racing, more specifically Irish jump racing and winter jump racing.
“Thurles is a track that always had beautiful ground in the winter when other tracks couldn’t.”
