Rails on empty racecourse
by: AdminPosted on:

Thurles Racecourse Closes with Immediate Effect

Amidst the Galway Festival excitement, Irish racing was hit with shock news on Friday. Staging its first fixture way back in 1732, and a staple of the National Hunt scene ever since, Thurles Racecourse will close with immediate effect.

The End of an Era

Ireland’s last remaining privately owned racecourse, Thurles, has been owned and operated by the Molony family for over 120 years. Following the death of Dr Paddy Molony in 1974, Pierce Molony and his wife Riona were the next to carry the torch.

For 40 years, the husband-and-wife team ensured that Thurles maintained its integral position on the Irish jumping scene. Following the death of Pierce in 2015, Riona and her daughters, Anne Marie, Helen, Kate, and Patricia, took up the baton.

When outlining the reasons for this shock decision, Riona Molony suggested that financial demands played a role, stating: “The girls all have their own families, careers, and lives to live. Ever-increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business has also been a major factor.”

Beloved by fans and trainers alike for a steady stream of fixtures, the track also served as a key gallops facility for many of the leading Irish yards. This sudden closure leaves a hole which may be tough to fill.

A Treasure that Must be Saved?

Expressing their surprise at the news, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) chief executive Suzanne Eade stated, “Riona’s husband Pierce contributed significantly to the Irish racing industry for many years, and the Molony family, led by Riona, certainly stepped up following his untimely passing. I will be seeking a meeting with the Molony family in the near future to discuss their position.”

Other voices suggested that everything must be done to preserve this cornerstone of the Irish racing scene. Tipperary politician Michael O’Leary called upon HRI to “step in and ensure its future as a racecourse.”

Platform for Riding Talent

Thurles racecourse hit the headlines in tragic circumstances earlier in 2025 with the ultimately fatal fall of young rider Michael O’Sullivan in February.

However, over the years, the track has played a key role in the development of some of the most talented riders in the sport. AP McCoy retired with 4,358 wins to his name – the first of which came aboard Legal Steps in a 1m4f flat event at Thurles in 1992. Rachael Blackmore, meanwhile, broke her duck here in 2011, before progressing to win the Grand National and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

What Becomes of the Big Races?

While all meetings will be missed, particularly Thurles’ regular Thursday fixtures, one of the most immediate questions is what will become of the track’s flagship events. Racing throughout the winter months, Thurles is home to five contests rated at Listed level or above.

  • Kinloch Brae Chase (Grade 2) – This 2m4½f event in January has been won by racing luminaries such as Grand National winner Amberleigh House, Queen Mother Champion Chase hero Newmill, and Cheltenham Gold Cup champ Don Cossack.
  • Anolog’s Daughter Mares Novice Chase (Grade 2) – Also held over the 2m4½f at the same fixture as the Kinloch Brae Chase, this contest became a key target for leading trainers Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott. Vroum Vroum Mag and Allegorie De Vassy feature amongst the seven Mullins-trained winners.
  • Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) – Established in 2006, this late February/early March highlight quickly became a key stepping stone for emerging hurdling talent. Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott won ten of the 22 editions between them.
  • Native Upmanship Novice Chase (Grade 3) – The newest Graded class contest on the Thurles calendar made its debut in 2017 and is named in honour of the Arthur Moore-trained star of the early 2000s.
  • John Meagher Memorial Chase (Listed) – Thurles’ first big event of the racing year may only be a Listed affair but has unearthed Grade 1 stars including War Of Attrition, Sir Des Champs, Champagne Fever, and Footpad.

Will Thurles’ closure see the curtain come down on these five flagship events? Will they find new homes? Or, as suggested by Michael O’Leary, could HRI yet save the day? All involved in the Tipperary racing scene will hope for the latter scenario.