It’s great news for Irish racing as Thurles has been saved for another year. They will keep on racing until at least March 2027 after an agreement between the owners and Horse Racing Ireland.
Thurles To Stay Open Until At Least 2027
After it was announced last August that Thurles would be closing with immediate affect, Horse Racing Ireland teamed up with the course’s owners to help keep it going for a bit longer.
Thurles is the only privately owned racecourse in Ireland and the Molony family have ran the Tipperary track since the early 1900s.
Riona Molony announced that they would close last August due to a challenging financial landscape and increasing industry demands. They also had issues watering the track, which have since been resolved.
The HRI stepped in to help and they were able to race throughout the 2025/26 season with no problems.
With 10 meetings going ahead since August, Irish racing fans can look forward to another year. Thurles will now keep racing until at least March 2027.
Riona Molony Confirms Thurles Will Keep Racing
There was good news delivered on Friday morning as it was announced that Thurles’ new season will get underway on October 8th 2026.
“We’re pleased to continue this short-term agreement with Horse Racing Ireland to allow racing to continue at Thurles. The operation of the racecourse is running smoothly under the management of Jessica (Calahan), and this allows us more time to decisde on the longer-term plans for the racecourse.”
With long-term plans mentioned, we may still get racing at Thurles beyond March 2027.
HRI chief executive, Suzanne Eade also commented on the situation.
“After consultation with the Molony family, we’re delighted that racing can continue at Thurles for another winter season.
“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the IHRB in facilitating the agreement, and to the wider industry for their ongoing support.”
Notable Races At Thurles
Thurles has always been a respected racecourse in Ireland, partly because it was privately owned and it has such a great sense of community.
But they also hold some pretty good races throughout the season.
- January – Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (Grade 2, 2m4 1/2f)
- January – Coolmore NH Sires Capri Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2, 2m4 1/2f)
- February – Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 2, 2m4f)
- March – Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase (Grad 3, 2m2f)
- November – John Meagher Memorial Novice Chase (Listed, 2m6f)
This news also comes as British tracks like Chelmsford face a risk of closure. The essex racecourse have had similar financial issues themselves and may not last much longer.
