Ruby Walsh warns Thurles Racecourse ‘can't be lost forever' and urges Horse Racing Ireland to ‘stand up and be counted'

The Irish Sun

16 hours ago

RUBY WALSH believes the impact on horse-racing from Thurles' closure will be "felt for some time".
The privately-owned track in Tipperary - which hosted its first meeting in 1732 - has
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Thurles Racecourse has closed with immediate effect
Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
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Ruby Walsh has reacted to the closure
Credit: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Riona Molony, whose family have owned the venue since the early 1900s, said rising costs were one of the reasons they had decided to pull the plug.
Former jockey Ruby Walsh reacted to the shock news in his
And he believes the impact on National Hunt Racing will be felt for some time.
He wrote: "I doubt too many in the Irish racing world expected to wake up Friday morning after the drama of Thursday's Galway Hurdle to the news that Thurles race course was closing down."
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"This family-run enterprise has reached a crossroads, and the Molony ladies want a change.
"Fair play to them, because the biggest calls are always the hardest to make, and like anyone in any walk of life, they have to do what is right for them."
The 12-time Irish champion jockey warned that it won't be as simple as moving the fixtures set for Thurles to other race courses due to its adaptability to winter conditions.
And he called for Horse Racing Ireland to "stand up and be counted" by facilitating a takeover of the track.
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He continued: "The Molonys' statement does read like they are retiring from the business, but the course is still there, and perhaps another interested party can take over.
"That might be something HRI can look into, but either way, Thurles on Thursday without Riona directing the show, Kate as her First Lieutenant, Trish and Helen running the coffee docks, and Anne-Marie making sure everyone else was busy, just won't be the same.
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"It has a fabric, a core of local supporters, and an essential role to play in National Hunt racing.
"It can't be lost forever, so the HRI board must stand up and be counted.
"They are spending millions on the other side of the county on an all-weather track for a decreasing population of horses, so perhaps they could do something to help save a track that already exists, has the fixtures and the stock to fill the demand."
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'HONOUR AND PRIVILEGE'
In a statement, Riona Molony said: "It has been an honour and a privilege for our family to have run Thurles Racecourse, and I am officially announcing our retirement today.
"We are very proud of the immense contribution our family has made to racing and we are most grateful to our extended racecourse family, our dedicated staff, generous sponsors, loyal patrons and the wider racing community for all your support.
"Horseracing is part of the fabric of our family, and we have been very fortunate to have made so many great friends within the industry over the years.
"My family and I look forward to going racing with you again, as spectators.
"Since my beloved husband Pierce passed away in 2015, with the help of our four daughters Patricia, Helen, Ann Marie and Kate and our wonderful staff, we've managed to keep the show on the road and I know he would be very proud of us for that.
"The girls all have their own families, careers and lives to live.
"Ever increasing industry demands and the cost of doing business has also been a major factor.
"We're going to enjoy this time together and relax now the decision is made and the news is out before we consider our options."