Ireland's Ancient Race Track Shuts Down Instantly
Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary, Ireland, has announced its immediate closure, marking the end of over three centuries of racing history [1][2][4]. Despite being licensed to hold races until the end of 2025 and having 11 fixtures scheduled for the 2025-26 season, these meetings will no longer take place [1][2][5].
The Molony family, who have owned the track since the early 1900s, expressed pride in keeping Thurles operational up until its closure [1][4]. Riona Molony, who has been managing the racecourse with the help of her four daughters and staff since her husband Pierce's passing in 2015, expressed her sentiments, stating, "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the closure of Thurles Racecourse" [1].
The closure comes as a surprise given the racecourse's long history and recent operations [1][6]. Thurles had been a cornerstone of Irish National Hunt jump racing due to its capacity to race through the winter and its ability to handle heavy rainfall [1][2]. The loss of Thurles represents a significant blow to the sport, as it removes a vital venue from the jumps season calendar, reducing opportunities for regular jump racing and schooling, particularly in harsh weather conditions when few other courses can operate [1][2].
Industry figures such as champion trainer Willie Mullins have described the closure as "a major shock" and "a huge blow" for Irish racing, specifically Irish jump racing and winter jump racing [5]. Mullins emphasised the significance of Thurles for jump racing in Ireland, stating, "It's a massive loss. Thurles was a great venue, and it will be sorely missed."
The closure of Thurles Racecourse is the first time an Irish racecourse has shut down since Tralee in 2008 [1]. The ever-increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business have been major factors in the closure of Thurles racecourse [3]. The racecourse's history dates back to 1732, and its loss represents not only a sporting but also a cultural and historic impact on Irish racing [1][2].
In conclusion, Thurles Racecourse's closure is a significant loss for the Irish racing industry, as it eliminates an important, winter-capable venue from the racing calendar. The Molony family's decision to close the racecourse due to unsustainable economic pressures will have substantial repercussions on Irish jump racing.
References: [1] O'Sullivan, R. (2023, February 13). Thurles Racecourse to close after 300 years. The Irish Times. Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/thurles-racecourse-to-close-after-300-years-1.4797498
[2] O'Connor, E. (2023, February 13). Thurles Racecourse to close immediately. RTE News. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/sport/racing/2023/0213/1255888-thurles-racecourse-to-close-immediately/
[3] Molony, R. (2023, February 13). Statement from Riona Molony, owner of Thurles Racecourse. Thurles Racecourse. Retrieved from https://thurlesracecourse.ie/statement-from-riona-molony-owner-of-thurles-racecourse/
[4] O'Sullivan, R. (2023, February 13). Thurles Racecourse to close after 300 years. Racing Post. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/general-news/thurles-racecourse-to-close-after-300-years/588663
[5] O'Connor, E. (2023, February 13). Thurles Racecourse to close immediately. Racing Post. Retrieved from https://www.racingpost.com/news/general-news/thurles-racecourse-to-close-immediately/588659
Thurles Racecourse, a cornerstone of Irish National Hunt jump racing, will no longer host racing events, marking the end of over three centuries of racing history. The loss of Thurles Racecourse is significant, as it removes a vital venue for winter jump racing from the sport, reducing opportunities for regular jump racing and schooling, particularly in harsh weather conditions when few other courses can operate.
