THERE was positive news on the possibility of Thurles Racecourse being kept open, at least for the near future, after a meeting with Horse Racing Ireland and Thurles Race Company on Thursday.

The owners, the Molony family, made the shock announcement earlier this month that the track was to close with immediate effect.

A joint Statement by Horse Racing Ireland and Thurles Race Company was released on Thursday: "Following a positive meeting this afternoon between Horse Racing Ireland and the Molony family, Thurles Race Company will facilitate the continuation of horse 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 Racecourse fulfil its 11 fixtures through to March 2026, resuming as scheduled on Thursday, October 9th.

Keeping Thurles operational until March of next year affords all interested parties time to consider a longer-term plan for the racecourse."

Thurles was fully licenced to race until December 31st and is scheduled to stage 11 fixtures in the 2025/26 Irish racing calendar