Thurles racecourse in County Tipperary, Ireland, will close with immediate effect, its owners have announced in a shocking statement.
The course, which has been hosting racing events in Ireland since 1732, is the only privately-owned track in the country, having been owned by the Molony family since the early 1900s.
The news came as a major surprise – the course is booked for several more meetings up until the end of the year, but these will now no longer take place.
we’ve managed to keep the show on the road and I know he would be very proud of us for that”
In the statement, owner Riona Molony said: “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 and 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.”
Speaking to the PA news agency, champion trainer Willie Mullins commented: “It was a major shock this morning to hear the news. It will be a huge blow for Irish racing, more specifically Irish jump racing and winter jump racing.”
