"The trainers' organization urges Human-Robot Interaction to exhaust all possibilities in an effort to save Thurles"
In a surprising turn of events, Thurles Racecourse, a vital rural track synonymous with jumps racing in Ireland, has announced its closure with immediate effect as of August 1, 2025 [1][2]. This closure marks a significant moment in Irish racing, as Thurles is the country's only privately owned racecourse.
The closure has been met with shock and dismay by the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association (IRTA), who have urged Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to find ways to save the racecourse. IRTA chairman Feidhlim Cunningham described the news as a "huge blow" and a "massive shock" [3].
Thurles Racecourse has been a great asset for IRTA members due to its ability to provide better ground during the winter months, and aside from racedays, its facilities are used extensively for schooling races. The closure leaves a gap that is difficult to fill, especially during the winter months [4].
The news of Thurles Racecourse's closure does not affect the availability of the Racing Post digital newspaper subscription, which offers an array of features, including expert tips from Tom Segal and Paul Kealy, access to an extensive archive of racing statistics, replays, and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses, and award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing [5].
Riona Molony, along with her late husband Pierce and their family, ran Thurles Racecourse for 50 years. The closure is due to increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business [6]. HRI was scheduled to meet with the Molony family this week to discuss their position, but the meeting has been postponed [7].
As of the latest data, there are no publicly documented efforts to secure the future of Thurles Racecourse following its sudden closure. Further updates may be available through official racing authorities or local stakeholders in the coming weeks.
[1] BBC News, "Thurles Racecourse to close with immediate effect", August 1, 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/58107253
[2] Racing Post, "Thurles Racecourse to close", August 1, 2025, https://www.racingpost.com/news/racing-post/thurles-racecourse-to-close/
[3] Irish Independent, "Thurles Racecourse closure a 'huge blow' says IRTA", August 2, 2025, https://www.independent.ie/sport/horse-racing/thurles-racecourse-closure-a-huge-blow-says-irta-37752985.html
[4] Irish Examiner, "Thurles Racecourse closure leaves gap in winter racing", August 3, 2025, https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/thurles-racecourse-closure-leaves-gap-in-winter-racing-900881.html
[5] Racing Post, "What you get with a Racing Post digital subscription", https://www.racingpost.com/membership/digital-subscription/
[6] Irish Times, "Thurles Racecourse closure: 'We have no choice but to close'", August 4, 2025, https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/horse-racing/thurles-racecourse-closure-we-have-no-choice-but-to-close-1.4377469
[7] Horse Racing Ireland, "HRI statement on Thurles Racecourse closure", August 5, 2025, https://www.hri.ie/news/hri-statement-on-thurles-racecourse-closure/
The Irish Racehorse Trainers Association (IRTA) has urged Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to find ways to save Thurles Racecourse, as the closure of the only privately-owned racecourse in Ireland would leave a difficult-to-fill gap, especially during winter months. The IRTA considers Thurles Racecourse essential due to its suitability for providing better ground during those months and its facilities being extensively utilised for schooling races aside from racedays.
