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16h ago

Thurles Racecourse Closure Prompts HRI Talks and Calls for Intervention

Horse Racing Ireland has invited the Molony family to explore the venue’s future after the abrupt shutdown of Ireland’s last private jump racing track.

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Overview

  • The Molony family announced on August 1 that they would cease all operations at Thurles Racecourse with immediate effect, canceling its 11 scheduled 2025–26 fixtures.
  • Horse Racing Ireland described the decision as unexpected and has formally invited Riona Molony and her daughters for meetings to discuss potential paths forward.
  • Former champion jockeys Anthony McCoy and Ruby Walsh lamented the loss of a key winter jumps venue noted for its reliable ground and historical importance.
  • Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and TD Michael Lowry urged HRI to intervene through lease or purchase proposals to preserve the nearly 300-year-old track.
  • Stakeholders warn that the closure leaves a significant gap in Ireland’s National Hunt winter calendar and raises concerns over the sustainability of independent family-run courses.