Thurles Racecourse has been handed a lifeline, with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) confirming that racing will continue at the historic venue until at least March 2026.

Earlier this month, the Co. Tipperary track — Ireland’s only privately owned racecourse — had abruptly announced its closure, citing financial pressures. Owner Riona Molony had admitted the challenges of maintaining the venue, sparking fears of a permanent loss to the Irish racing circuit.

But after discussions between HRI and the Molony family, a deal has been struck that will keep the track alive in the short term. Under the arrangement, HRI will take over operational responsibility for the racecourse, ensuring its scheduled fixtures go ahead while a longer-term future is mapped out.

“Following a positive meeting this afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, Thurles Race Company will facilitate the continuation of horse racing at Thurles Racecourse until March 2026,” read an HRI statement. “This agreement, made possible in conjunction with the Association of Irish Racecourses, the IHRB, and the support of the wider industry, will see Thurles fulfil its 11 fixtures through to March 2026, resuming as scheduled on Thursday, October 9.”

For the racing community, the news is a relief. Thurles is known for hosting three Grade Two events each season, most notably the Kinloch Brae Chase in January — a race with a roll of honor that includes Native Upmanship, Newmill, Hi Cloy, and Don Cossack.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins, who had described the threatened closure as a “huge blow for Irish racing,” once again underlined the track’s importance: “Thurles is a track that always had beautiful ground in the winter when other tracks couldn’t.”

The reprieve buys time for stakeholders to craft a sustainable plan, ensuring the 175-year-old racecourse has a chance to remain part of Ireland’s racing landscape for the long haul.

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