THURLES Racecourse is hoping for a strong attendance for its traditional pre-Christmas meeting next Saturday.

Now operated by Horse Racing Ireland, following the Molony family’s decision to step back from running the racecourse, Thurles has enjoyed five successful meetings so far this season under the supervision of operations manager Jessica Cahalan.

“So far we’ve had great entries, lovely crowds and good quality racing,” Cahalan told The Irish Field. “We have a listed hurdle race, the Billy Harney Memorial, as our feature next Saturday. We’re offering a €30 party pack ticket which includes admission, racecard, burger and bet, and there will be live music after racing.”

Looking further ahead the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association plans to sponsor the gate for the Kinloch Brae meeting at Thurles in early February.

Asked for news on the longer-term future of Thurles, Cahalan said:

“That is for the powers-that-be to discuss. We will keep racing for as long as we are asked to.”

Web: thurlesraces.ie