Long-standing Irish Racecourse Shuts Down Instantly
Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary to Close After Over 300 Years
In a shocking announcement, Thurles Racecourse in County Tipperary, Ireland, has revealed it will close with immediate effect. The closure marks the first racecourse shutdown in Ireland since Tralee closed in 2008.
The Molony family, who have owned the track since the early 1900s, cited increasing costs of doing business and ever-rising industry demands as primary reasons for the decision. Other family commitments and the passing of Pierce Molony in 2015 also played significant roles.
Riona Molony, the current owner, expressed pride in maintaining the racecourse's operations since her husband's passing and thanked the racing community for their support. She is assisted by her four daughters Patricia, Helen, Ann Marie, and Kate, as well as the dedicated staff.
Thurles Racecourse has been a cornerstone of National Hunt (jumps) racing in Ireland, known for its winter racing capacity and regular schooling opportunities. High-class horses have flocked to the course for nearly 300 years since its first recorded meeting in 1732.
The closure leaves a significant void in Irish jumps racing and the racing calendar, especially during the winter months. As Ireland's only privately-owned racecourse, Thurles' rich racing heritage makes its closure a notable loss for Irish horse racing.
Champion trainer Willie Mullins expressed his shock at the news and predicted that the closure will be a significant blow to Irish racing, particularly Irish jump racing and winter jump racing.
Several racing meetings were booked at Thurles Racecourse up until the end of the year, but they will no longer take place. Despite managing to continue operations despite challenges, the Molony family decided to retire from racing at the course and will not use the 11 fixtures allocated for the 2025/26 season.
The Molony family remains proud of their long-standing contribution to Irish racing and expressed gratitude to the racing community. The closure of Thurles Racecourse is a significant development in the Irish racing scene.
The Molony family's decision to retire from racing at Thurles Racecourse indicates a potential shift in Irish National Hunt racing, as the closure of a historically significant racing venue like Thurles Racecourse may lead to a gap in sports events, particularly racing events, during the winter months. This closure may also have an impact on racing meetings that were initially planned to take place at the racecourse, potentially affecting high-class horses and champion trainers, such as Willie Mullins, who have long flocked to the course.
