IN PICTURES: Great relief for Tipperary racing as Thurles Racecourse re-opened last weekend

There was a strong sense of relief and pride in Tipperary as racing returned to Thurles Racecourse following its much-anticipated reopening under a new agreement with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI).

The historic venue, Ireland’s only privately owned racecourse, had abruptly closed with immediate effect in early August when owner Riona Molony cited financial pressures and an increasingly challenging operating environment. The news stunned the racing community and prompted widespread concern for one of the sport’s most beloved fixtures.

Now, following negotiations between HRI and the Molony family, Thurles is open once again, with racing to continue until March 2026 while a longer-term plan for the course’s viability is developed.

Under the arrangement, HRI has taken over operational responsibility and will ensure that all 11 scheduled fixtures between now and March go ahead as planned.

The return of racing at the famous Tipperary track, where the first meeting took place in the 18th century, was greeted with enthusiasm by local fans, trainers, and jockeys. Many see the deal as a vital lifeline for a venue that has long been part of Ireland’s National Hunt heritage.

Thurles has a proud history of hosting top-class racing, including the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase (formerly the Kinloch Brae Chase), one of its feature events each January.

The race has produced notable winners down the years, among them Don Cossack, who went on to capture the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

While the reopening agreement offers only a temporary reprieve, the mood at Thurles is one of cautious optimism. For now, the focus is on celebrating the track’s return and the continuation of a racing tradition that has endured for generations.

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