The future of Thurles Racecourse, which had been facing imminent closure, has been secured until March 2026 following an agreement reached yesterday afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, the long-standing owners of the Tipperary venue.

The course, Ireland’s only privately owned track, had announced earlier this month that it would close with immediate effect, citing the challenges of sustaining operations in the modern racing environment.

An iconic venue steeped in history and tradition, Thurles Racecourse has long been a cornerstone of National Hunt Racing in Ireland. The first recorded race meeting at Thurles took place in 1732, and it has been in the hands of the Molony family since the early 1900s.

The decision to close was met with widespread disappointment across the industry, given Thurles’ unique role in the National Hunt calendar and its reputation for producing high-quality racing in the winter months.

The deal will see HRI take on operational responsibility for running the course, while Thurles Race Company continues to facilitate racing until the end of March 2026.

The agreement, made possible through collaboration with the Association of Irish Racecourses and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), with strong support from across the sector, guarantees that the 11 scheduled fixtures will be fulfilled, beginning with the next meeting on Thursday, October 9.

The reprieve allows all stakeholders to explore a longer-term plan for the track’s future.

It is a welcome boost for Tipperary sport following the announcement earlier this week of the closure of Dundrum House Golf and Leisure Resort.

 

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