Ireland’s iconic Thurles racecourse closed immediately.
The private racetrack in Tipperary – which held its first race in 1732 – has ceased operations and canceled all 11 planned fixtures.
HorsemanMikey O’Sullivan tragically diedat the track while racing horses there earlier this year.
Winning horseman at the Cheltenham Festival – winnerremembered as a ‘beauty’– lost his life at the age of 24 after falling in a horrific five-horse collision that forced the cancellation of the rest of February’s race.
O’Sullivan never recovered from his coma andTears fell at his funeral, there were hundreds of people in attendance and many more lining the streets.
In moving scenes at Cheltenham the following month, O’Sullivan’s beloved horse Marine Nationale, which gave him his first win at the Festival,won the big race on day two .
Riona Molony, who has owned the location since the early 1900s, said rising costs were one of the reasons they decided to shut down operations.
Thurles is famous for being able to adapt to all conditions, especially in Ireland’s harsh winters, and is often jokingly referred to as the country’s ‘first all-weather racecourse’.
The biggest race of the season is also likely to produce Gold Cup winners at Cheltenham.
Molony said: “Our family is honored and proud to run Thurles Racecourse and today I officially announce my retirement.
“We are very proud of our family’s enormous contributions to horse racing and we are extremely grateful to our extended racetrack family, our dedicated staff, our generous sponsors, our loyal patrons and the horse racing community at large for your support.
“Horse racing is part of our family and we have been very fortunate to have made many great friends in the industry over the years.
“My family and I look forward to continuing to race with you 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 have been able to keep the program going and I know he would be very proud of us for that.
“Girls all have families, careers and lives of their own.
“Increasing industry demands and business costs are also a major factor.
“We will enjoy this time together and relax once the decision is made and the news is announced before we consider our options.”
The Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase – now known as the Horse & Jockey Hotel Chase – is the track’s flagship race and this year was won by former Supreme Novices’ Hurdle champion Willie Mullins’ Appreciate It.
Ryanair king Chase Allaho won the race three times and used the victory to prepare for his aim of dominating the Cheltenham Festival.
Other top horses to have won this race include Gordon Elliott’s 2016 Gold Cup winner Don Cossack.
Meanwhile, Sizing John won the same race at Thurles the following year before going on to win the Gold Cup – hurdle racing’s most prestigious prize.
Bettors quickly expressed sadness when they heard the news of the racetrack closing.
One person wrote on X: “Very disappointing. Love the track. Really team racing, and always a great day.”
While another said: “A dark day for Irish racing.”
