The Molony family, long-time owners of Thurles Racecourse, have agreed to extend a temporary arrangement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). This follows a similar agreement that kept the track operational for the previous season after the family signalled their intention to step back from running the venue due to ongoing operational challenges.
The continuation of racing under this framework allows valuable time for discussions around the long-term future of the racecourse, which has been a cornerstone of Ireland’s winter racing calendar for generations.
Operational Continuity Under Ms Jessica Cahalan.
Ms Jessica Cahalan will remain in charge of day-to-day operations at Thurles for the upcoming season. Her continued leadership is seen as key to maintaining stability at the track while the Molony family considers future plans for the venue, located on the Nenagh Road just outside Thurles.
Industry Support Recognised.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, welcomed the development, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in securing the agreement. She acknowledged the role of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), as well as the broader racing industry, in supporting the continuation of racing at Thurles.
The IHRB oversees approximately 500 fixtures annually across Ireland, covering Flat, National Hunt, and Point-to-Point racing, with around 39,000 runners each year, underlining the scale and importance of the sector.
Strategic Importance to Racing Calendar.
Thurles Racecourse has long been regarded as a vital component of the Irish National Hunt season, particularly during the winter months when its track conditions are highly valued by trainers and jockeys.
The decision to extend operations is also influenced by broader infrastructure factors within the sport. Notably, nearby Tipperary Racecourse is currently closed for a major redevelopment project and is not expected to reopen until October 2027, when it will feature both a new all-weather surface and an upgraded turf track.
Looking Ahead.
While the agreement secures the immediate future of racing at Thurles, it remains a transitional solution. The additional time afforded by this extension is expected to be used by stakeholders to explore sustainable long-term options for the venue.
For now, however, the message is clear: Thurles Racecourse will continue to play a central role in Irish racing for another season, much to the delight of fans and the wider industry.
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