'It's magic' - local winner celebrated as Thurles welcomes back racegoers for first time since future was plunged into doubt

There was a sense of relief and delight among racegoers as the beloved County Tipperary venue swung its gates open for the first time since its future was plunged into doubt two months ago.

A bombshell announcement from the Molony family, the owners of Ireland's only privately owned racecourse, dropped on August 1 stating that the track was to stop racing with immediate effect. That decision was reversed, temporarily at least, after Horse Racing Ireland took on operational responsibility to stage its fixtures up until March.

Those in attendance were undoubtedly more appreciative of the rustic and quirky charm Thurles on a Thursday has to offer, and the 1m4½f Welcome Back To Thurles Handicap had an appropriate winner in the shape of Tickling, who scored for local trainer Mark Molloy.

The three-year-old, who was getting off the mark at the seventh attempt, ran out a commanding three-length winner under Killian Leonard.

Expressing his joy at the reopening of the racecourse, Molloy said: "It's magic. It means a lot to me as I am great friends with the Molonys. 

"I felt the family had done an amazing job with the racecourse over the past ten years since Pierce [Molony] passed away, and I felt last winter was very hard for them for so many reasons. They're just an amazing family.

"This track is hugely important at all levels, and I think now there is a realisation of that." 

Of his first Flat winner for 13 months, Molloy added: "Tickling is not a big filly, but I've always loved her and she has a great mind and attitude. It was just about finding the right ground for her."

Warrior too strong

The Eddie and Patrick Harty stable saddled their third winner in the last fortnight and tenth overall this season when Killashee Warrior powered home in the mile maiden to defeat Matilda Joslyngage by a length and three-quarters.

Having finished fourth behind the high-class Diamond Necklace in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes last month, she went off a well-fancied 7-4 shot under Jamie Powell, and the race was settled early in the straight when the pair powered to the front before maintaining a healthy advantage to the line.

"We let her have a crack at the Ingabelle, where she flew home," said Eddie Harty. "We've always had an eye on a three-year-old campaign with her, and she has earned a break. She is a lovely one to have."

Title rivals trade blows

Dylan Browne McMonagle remains five ahead of Colin Keane in the race to be crowned champion Irish Flat jockey after they continued to trade blows by steering home a winner apiece.

Green Carrera defeated 8-13 favourite Cape Primrose by a half a length under Browne McMonagle in the mile fillies' maiden for trainer Joseph O'Brien, while Keane later teamed up with Willie Mullins to land the 2m½f maiden on Sorrentino, who scored by an impressive eight and a half lengths.

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