Iconic racecourse closes with immediate effect as horse racing fans left devastated

Thurles Racecourse is shutting down immediately, according to a statement from the Molony family who own the venue. Ireland's sole privately-owned racecourse staged its inaugural meeting nearly 300 years ago.

Since the early 1900s, it has been under the ownership of the Molony family. Riona Molony has formally confirmed the family's decision to step away from racing at the Tipperary venue, pointing to "increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business" as "a major factor." The venue hosted its first ever race meeting all the way back in 1732. However, Riona's deceased husband Pierce inherited the business from his father Doctor Paddy Molony in 1974. Alongside their family they have dedicated themselves to the enterprise for the past 50 years.

Making the announcement, she said: "It has been an honour and a privilege for our family to have run Thurles Racecourse. I am officially announcing our retirement today. We are very proud of the immense contribution our family has made to racing and we are most grateful to our extended racecourse family, our dedicated staff, generous sponsors, loyal patrons and the wider racing community for all your support.

"Horse-racing is part of the fabric of our family and we have been very fortunate to have made so many great friends within the industry over the years. My family and I look forward to going racing with you again, as spectators."

She continued: "Since my beloved husband Pierce passed away in 2015, with the help of our four daughters Patricia, Helen, Ann Marie and Kate and our wonderful staff, we've managed to keep the show on the road. I know he would be very proud of us for that.

"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."

Despite Thurles Racecourse holding full licensing to operate until December 31, the Molony Family will not stage any further meetings. Riona said: "We're going to enjoy this time together and relax now the decision is made and the news is out before we consider our options."

The course has always been widely revered in National Hunt circles, for its impressive ability to cope with heavy rain and still be in top racing condition in the middle of winter. It was Ireland's only privately owned racecourse and a regular host in the jumps season.

The racecourse, which is licensed to race until the end of the year, had been allotted 11 fixtures for the 2025/26 racing season. The closure means they will not be making use of any of those slots. Not since 2008, when Tralee was forced to close in 2008 after being sold to a property developer, has a racecourse in Ireland closed down.

It's understood last year's dry winter, which resulted in the cancellation of three meetings as a result of a lack of rainfall, had a hugely damaging effect on the course. In 1992, AP McCoy recorded the first of his jaw-dropping 4,358 winners at the venue, riding on Legal Steps for Jim Bolger.