THURLES Racecourse would have needed a multi-million euro investment to ensure it complied with new licensing requirements, The Irish Field understands.

The track was closed with immediate effect on Friday and while Horse Racing Ireland officially greeted the news with surprise, it is highly likely the racing authorities were well aware that the track was struggling to meet new standards set out for racecourses just last month.

However, in a statement released by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board on Sunday, the regulator insisted it had "worked constructively with Thurles in recent months" and that there was "no suggestion that racing at the venue could not continue".

On June 20th the IHRB and Horse Racing Ireland jointly published the Racecourse Manual, a 68-page document setting out minimum requirements and standards for racecourse resources, including stabling, veterinary, paddock, enclosure, weighroom and medical facilities.

The manual also states that racecourses must have an appropriate watering system in place, “capable of applying as much water as required by the IHRB Clerk of the Course”, and “a water distribution system (including pump and backup) which applies irrigation consistently” and “a good consistent water supply (i.e. reservoir/bore hole).”

Thurles does not have a watering system and lost three meetings last autumn due to unsuitably fast ground. An investment of at least €300,000 would be needed to install a basic system and, even then, the racecourse owners would be running the risk of losing their racing licence due to other aged facilities.

A total redevelopment plan, involving a new weighroom and grandstand would be required and, as per the usual HRI Capital Development Fund rules, the Molony family would be required to contribute up to 60% of the estimated €3 million cost.

Regulator response

Sunday's IHRB statement said: "The recently published racecourse manual is a long-term guidance and development framework, prepared following extensive industry consultation. It supports continuous improvement in racecourse facilities and operations but does not impose immediate or inflexible obligations. Implementation is being approached in a phased and collaborative manner, with flexibility built in to reflect the varying scale and circumstances of individual racecourses.

"The IHRB has worked constructively with Thurles in recent months, as we do with all racecourses, and there was no suggestion that racing at the venue could not continue.

"The decision to cease racing at Thurles with immediate effect was a private one taken by the Molony family. Their current licence remains valid until the end of 2025."

It is no secret that Thurles Racecourse has been run on a tight budget since settling a €300,000 tax bill in 2015, the same year that track manager Pierce Molony passed away.

Hard work and dedication from the Molony family kept the track going for the past 10 years but this week they reached the end of the line.

IHRB chief executive Darragh O’Loughlin added: "Our aim is to ensure that all racecourses operate to high standards with the safety and well-being of participants a priority. The racecourse manual is intended to support racecourses in that aim over time - not to impose sudden demands or create barriers. We will continue to work in partnership with racecourses across the country to support their development in a practical and proportionate way."

Michael Lowry

Local TD Michael Lowry called on HRI and the Minister for Agriculture to step in and save Thurles Racecourse by preserving the site through a lease agreement or purchase.

“This is a sad, yet understandable decision,” Deputy Lowry said. “The Molony family gave this very careful consideration and arrived at this decision after much agonising.

“I wish to thank the Molony family for providing and maintaining a wonderful facility through generations. I am fully aware of how difficult it has been to keep standards high and remain financially viable. Riona and the girls have been outstanding custodians of the track since Pierce passed away.

“Regulations, expectations, demands and compliance issues placed a huge burden of pressure, stress, and strain on the owners. In recent years, Riona and the girls invested heavily to improve the facilities.

“Thurles racecourse is renowned for the excellence of the track. It is a proper National Hunt track. It is a treasure in the sport of horse racing. It is essential to the racing industry that Horse Racing Ireland step in and ensure its future as a racecourse.”

Feidhlim Cunningham, chief executive of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, said: “We were shocked at this announcement that Thurles is closing with immediate effect. This news is highly regrettable.

“Thurles Racecourse was a great asset for our members and was relied upon to provide nicer ground during the winter months. It will be a huge loss to Irish racing.

“We extend our sincere thanks to the Molony family for their dedication and the legacy they leave. We wish them every success in the future.

“We hope this is not the start of a wider trend of racecourses coming under pressure and perhaps now is the time for a conversation on how the industry can best support racecourses in a similar position.”