WATERING continues at Thurles Racecourse this weekend ahead of the track’s first National Hunt meeting of the season next Thursday.

The Co Tipperary track staged a successful flat card last Thursday, the first meeting to be run at the venue since the running of the racecourse was taken over by Horse Racing Ireland. The racecourse is still owned by the Molony family and they have employed Jessica Cahalan as Operations Manager.

Speaking to The Irish Field yesterday, Cahalan said: “The feedback, in general, was fabulous. I think people appreciated racing being back at Thurles having nearly lost it. Many people commented on how well the place looked and the track looks very good.”

The ground was described as good to yielding for last Thursday’s meeting and Cahalan says the forecast for the coming week is largely dry. Thurles had to cancel three National Hunt fixtures last autumn due to unsuitable ground conditions.

“We would have loved a bit more rain to come, but we’ve been watering the hurdle track for the last week. It just has to be done, regardless of the cost involved. We will do everything that we can to have it as nice as possible for next week.”

Among the entries for next Thursday is Hewick, trained by Shark Hanlon. The top-class staying chaser has been entered for a conditions hurdle race over just short of three miles.

Hanlon said: “I heard the ground at Thurles was beautiful this week and I hope they don’t water too much! This race has been the plan for Hewick for three months. It’s a golden opportunity for him to get his head in front. Paddy [trainer’s son] is coming home to ride him, so that’s 7lb off his back. They have won around Thurles together before.”

Queries regarding Thurles Racecourse can be directed to Jessica Cahalan, Operations Manager, on 086 374 8985.