Thurles

Quick Facts About Thurles

The earliest recording of race meetings in Thurles is 1732 when a three-day meeting was held there.

Famous horses to have run at Thurles in recent years include:
Klairon Davis: winner of the Arkle and Champion Chases at Cheltenham.
Native Upmanship: A standing dish at Thurles and a real favourite there, won the Kinloch Brae Chase 3 times in succession (2002-04). Also won the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree twice.
Rule Supreme: he winner of the 2004 Grade 1 Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham and 2005 Grade 1 Hennessy Gold at Leopardstown.
Vintage Crop: Melbourne Cup winner. Won his debut here.

Thurles Revealed

Proper dyed in the wool, quality jump racing to warm the cockles of your heart is what you will find on a jaunt to Thurles racecourse. Its Gaelic translation, as above, is stronghold and this course is certainly a fortress for action packed, quality jump racing, where it's very likely that you will see a future Cheltenham or Punchestown winner in action. The town of Thurles and the surrounding area is one of the best locations for country pursuits in Ireland, and has a populace that loves its sport, be it hunting, greyhounds or their favourite, horseracing.

And Thurles is an enthusiasts' course, nothing flashy or snazzy about it but it's all about the horses and when you are there you can't help but get caught up in that enthusiasm, that anticipation engendered by a novice hurdle or chase and the thought that one of these horses could be a future festival winner. The Grade 2 E50,000 Kinloch Brae Chase in late January/early February is the highlight of the year at the course and always attracts a top-class field. 

Course Characteristics

An undulating right-handed oval course of one mile and two furlongs with an uphill climb to the winning post.

How to Get There

By Road:
Thurles is 16 km north of Cashel, 48 km west of Kilkenny and 64 km east of Limerick.

By Rail:
There is a regular train service from Dublin (Heuston) and Cork to Thurles Station. There is a free minibus service from the station to the racecourse.

By Air:
Shannon (approx 80 km away) is the nearest airport. Helicopter landing at the course can be arranged in advance.

Admission

Discount available for pre-booked groups of 20 or more.

Refreshment Facilities

Self-service restaurant, several bars and a tea room.  

Corporate Facilities

Hospitality room which can cater for 50-100 people.

Après Racing

There are lots of equestrian activities to pursue in the area including hunting and pleasure riding. For golfers there is an excellent 18-hole course in Thurles.