A positive meeting at the Curragh on Thursday between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family has had a positive outcome.
It was stated in a shock announcement earlier this month that Thurles would "close with immediate effect" on account of the Molonys, who have owned Thurles for decades, effectively stepping aside from the venue, but key talks with HRI - who also own Tipperary Racecourse - have resulted in a short-term solution being found.
A joint statement issued on behalf of Horse Racing Ireland and Thurles Race Company said: "Following a positive meeting this afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, Thurles Race Company will facilitate the continuation of racing at Thurles racecourse until March 2026, with operational responsibility of the racecourse passing to Horse Racing Ireland.
"Today’s 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.
"Keeping Thurles operational until March of next year affords all interested parties time to consider a longer-term plan for the racecourse."
The first ever recorded race-meeting at Thurles took place in 1732 and it has been in the hands of the Molony family since the early 1900’s. Riona’s late husband Pierce took over from his father Doctor Paddy Molony in 1974, and together with their family they have worked hard at the business for the last 50 years.
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