Thurles delight as Saturday fixture tops ITV4 coverage on poignant day for track

Excitement is building at Thurles racecourse ahead of Saturday's fixture behind closed doors following the announcement that racing from the Tipperary track will be broadcast live on ITV4.

Racing in Britain has been shut down until the end of April due to the outbreak of coronavirus, but it was given the green light to continue in Ireland on Wednesday, albeit under strict protocols.

To fill the void, five jump races from Thurles will be shown during a programme running from 1.30pm to 4pm and hosted by ITV's main racing anchor, Ed Chamberlin.

There is no shortage of poignancy in the timing of the boost for Ireland's only family-owned track, with the meeting featuring the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase, named after Thurles' much-missed owner and manager.

Thurles plays host to the Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase on SaturdayCredit: Patrick McCann

The popular figure, who died in January 2015 at the age of 65, left the venue's management in the capable hands of his wife Riona, daughters Patricia, Helen, Annemarie and Kate.

"For daddy, this would have been the most exciting thing ever if he was alive to see it," said Molony's daughter Annemarie Cullen. "He'd have been as proud as punch because it's amazing for a small family track."

She added: "It's apt that this should fall on this day and we're all excited on the WhatsApp group together this morning ahead of Saturday."

With ITV broadcasting five races, off times will be tweaked.

"Ed Chamberlin will present the show, which will be produced in the UK with the smallest possible team," said a statement from the broadcaster.

"As well as racing from Thurles, the team will look back at the recent Cheltenham Festival and the 2019-20 jumps season. There will be no Opening Show.

"ITV Racing would like to thank Horse Racing Ireland and Racecourse Media Group for making this possible."

Cullen added of the circumstances in which Irish racing is continuing behind closed doors: "It's fantastic to be able to continue racing.

"We're continuing to make every effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, abiding by the very stringent measures put in place by Horse Racing Ireland."

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