Tipperary horseracing finds itself at a crossroads

County Tipperary, long celebrated as a heartland of Irish horse racing, finds itself at a significant crossroads. This region, deeply intertwined with the equestrian world, hosts 737 breeders and 64 licensed trainers, alongside three popular racecourses: Clonmel, Thurles, and Tipperary. The industry is a substantial economic contributor, generating €329 million in expenditure and providing over 3,000 jobs, according to Horse Racing Ireland.

One of the county's racecourses, Tipperary Racecourse, is currently undergoing a massive €32 million redevelopment to construct Ireland's second all-weather track. Described as one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Irish racing history, the development has temporarily halted racing at the venue. Fixtures have been reallocated to other tracks, with the racecourse slated to reopen in late 2027, offering both turf and all-weather racing. Racecourse Manager Andrew Hogan highlighted the project as a major investment in the future of Irish racing and the local economy. Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland, noted that the new facility will provide year-round racing and training opportunities, boosting tourism, hospitality, and employment across the region.

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Maintaining Tipperary's position as one of the most significant equine regions in the world requires ongoing investment in modern infrastructure that supports the needs of a changing industry.

Supporters believe this investment will solidify Tipperary's status as a global equine hub and secure the future of racing in the south for decades. "Maintaining Tipperary's position as one of the most significant equine regions in the world requires ongoing investment in modern infrastructure that supports the needs of a changing industry," stated Ms. Eade. "The development of the Tipperary all-weather track will play an important role in that future. By investing here, we are investing directly in the heart of Irish racing."

However, less than an hour away, Thurles Racecourse faces a starkly different reality. In August 2025, the Molony family announced their intention to cease racing at the iconic venue, sending shockwaves through the Irish racing community. This announcement marks a period of uncertainty for a racecourse that has been a cornerstone of the sport in the region, contrasting sharply with the ambitious development occurring at Tipperary Racecourse.

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The development of the Tipperary all-weather track will play an important role in that future. By investing here, we are investing directly in the heart of Irish racing.