Thurles future unclear as HRI publishes 2027 fixtures; Down Royal to honour a legendary chaser

Friday’s briefing centres on Irish racing’s longer-term planning after HRI released its 2027 fixture list, with uncertainty remaining around Thurles and Tipperary set to host its first all-weather fixture. Elsewhere, Down Royal has announced plans to honour a celebrated chaser at its upcoming Festival of Racing, while wider industry news includes the death of owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the age of 76.

HRI’s 2027 fixture list: Thurles position uncertain as Tipperary set for first all-weather date

The Racing Post reported on Thursday 24 September that Horse Racing Ireland has revealed the 2027 fixture list, with two strands drawing particular attention. The first is that Thurles’ future remains uncertain, an update likely to be closely followed given the track’s established place on the Irish calendar. The second is a notable development for programme variety, with Tipperary set to stage its first all-weather fixture.

With the Racing Post’s report framed around the fixture list itself, the publication underlined that the position of Thurles remains unresolved at this stage. The same report highlighted the significance of Tipperary’s planned all-weather debut within the 2027 schedule, marking a clear directional change for that venue’s offering.

These are, for now, planning signals rather than on-track outcomes, but they shape the conversation around what racing in Ireland could look like in 2027, both in terms of course participation and surface options. Further detail on how the uncertainty around Thurles is resolved, and how Tipperary’s first all-weather meeting is integrated into the broader programme, will be keenly awaited across the industry.

Down Royal to pay tribute at Festival of Racing

In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph reported on Thursday 24 September that Down Royal has announced plans to honour a legendary chaser at its upcoming Festival of Racing. The piece described the horse as having held a truly unique place in the hearts of those connected to the track and the wider racing public.

The announcement points to a commemorative element being built into the Festival of Racing programme. While the Belfast Telegraph report focused on the intention to pay tribute, it also reflects how racecourses increasingly look to formalise their connection with equine greats through dedicated moments and ceremonies alongside the competitive action.

Down Royal’s Festival of Racing is a key fixture in its own right, and the Telegraph’s report indicates that the forthcoming edition will carry additional significance through this planned recognition.

Industry and ownership: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum dies; Michael Owen purchases new horses

BloodHorse reported early on Friday 25 September that owner Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has died at the age of 76. The story represents a major item of industry news given the prominence associated with the name in global ownership circles.

On the ownership beat closer to home, the Liverpool Echo reported on Thursday 24 September that Michael Owen spent nearly £500,000 on new racehorses in one day. The report signals significant fresh investment, adding to the steady flow of sporting and business figures engaging with the racehorse market.

Alongside those headlines, the tipster columns and preview pages continued at pace across the UK and Ireland on Thursday, with publications including Paddy Power News, Sporting Life, FreeBets, Bookies.com and Betfred Insights publishing their daily racing content.