Track where Michael O'Sullivan suffered fall which cost him his life announces closure
The track where tragic jockey Michael O'Sullivan suffered the fall which cost him his life is to close with immediate effect. Thurles racecourse, Ireland's only privately owned track, has staged jump racing in Co Tipperary since 1732 and since the early 1900s has been owned by the Molony family.
It's best known race is the Kinloch Brae Chase in January, won by the likes of Native Upmanship, Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Newmill, Cheltenham Gold Cup heroes Don Cossack and Sizing John and the top-class Allaho. It is one of three Grade 2 races run during its 11 meeting season.
It was in the news in February this year when Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey Michael O'Sullivan suffered serious injuries in a five horse pile-up at the final fence of a chase at Thurles on February 6 in which his mount Wee Charlie was fatally injured.
The 24-year-old was airlifted to hospital in Cork and died ten days later. An IHRB investigation into the incident found 'no evidence of human error, equipment failure, or environmental factors as the primary cause'.
'The incident was attributed to the inherent risks of National Hunt racing, with a series of independent falls triggering an unavoidable chain reaction,' the report said.
The track's next scheduled fixture is in October but it will not take place following the Molony family's shock announcement on Friday that it will close immediately, a decision blamed on increasing industry demands and rising costs.
A statement from 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.
'Horse-racing 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.'
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