An enduring, comforting, constant, no-frills staple - Thurles closure is a catastrophe for Irish jump racing

Thurles has been the very heartbeat of Irish jump racing so its immediate closure can only be described as catastrophic. This is a sad day for the industry, not to mention a worrying one.

Racing there on a Thursday was an enduring, comforting, constant, no-frills staple. Centrally located, the track raced throughout the winter and it provided regular, structured schooling and galloping sessions that were invaluable to the industry. Everyone from trainers, point-to-point handlers, pre-trainers and producers would avail themselves of the opportunities for a racecourse gallop.

For decades, Thurles was considered Ireland's first 'all-weather' track due to the capacity of the ground there to hold water. It had hosted racing of some sort since 1732 - nearly 300 years.