Agreement reached for racing to continue at Thurles

Following a successful season at Thurles it has been announced racing will continue at the track until at least March 2027.

Horse Racing Ireland and Thurles Race Company have agreed to facilitate the continuation of racing, with the first meeting of next season scheduled for October.

In August 2025 it was announced the course was to close with immediate effect after the Molony family, who had owned the track since the early 1900s, decided to retire from racing.

However, following an outcry led by among others champion trainer Willie Mullins, who said it would be a “huge blow” to Irish racing to lose Thurles, an agreement was reached to continue for another year.

Riona Molony said: “We are 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 Cahalan and this allows us more time to decide on the longer-term plans for the racecourse.”

Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, said: “After consultation with the Molony family, we are delighted that racing can continue at Thurles for another winter season. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the IHRB in facilitating this agreement, and to the wider industry for their ongoing support.”