US EditionOne of Ireland's Top Racecourses Closes 'with Immediate Effect'
COUNTY TIPPERARY, IRELAND, AUG 1 – The Molony family cited rising costs and industry pressures for closing Ireland's only privately owned National Hunt racecourse after more than 100 years of ownership.
- Thurles Racecourse, the only racecourse in Ireland under private ownership, has been shut down abruptly, as announced by Riona Molony on Friday morning in 2025.
- The closure followed increasing industry demands, rising costs, and a fatal fall of jockey Michael O'Sullivan at Thurles in February, prompting the Molony family to retire.
- The Molony family has owned the Tipperary venue since the early 1900s and managed the course after Pierce Molony's death in 2015, maintaining its legacy since the first meeting in 1732.
- Although licensed to race until December 31 with 11 fixtures scheduled for 2025/26, those meetings will not proceed as the family confirmed their retirement from racing at Thurles.
- Riona Molony expressed gratitude for her family’s contribution and support from staff, sponsors, patrons, and the wider racing community while indicating the family looks forward to attending races as spectators.
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Thurles: Track where Michael O’Sullivan suffered fall which cost him his life announces shock closure - The Mirror
Thurles, Ireland’s only privately owned racecourse, will stage no more racing after the Molony family declared they were stepping away from the sport
·London, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
13%
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