One of the earliest records of a race meeting in Thurles, County Tipperary, was from Pue's Occurrances on Monday 19 June 1732 when a 15 Pound Plate, run in three heats each of 4 miles, was advertised with an entrance fee of "one pistole to be paid to Mr John NEALE." A pistole was a Spanish gold coin equal to two escudos. Even at this early stage in racing’s history there was an association with the famous racing name of Pigott. Captain John PIGOTT (1704-1763) married a young Lady of great merit and 10,000 pound fortune in 1730 and seemed to have left London in a bit of a hurry, ending up in Ballynonty, just a few miles from Thurles, at about the time of the June 1732 race. Whilst he is unlikely to have had a horse running in that race, it is likely that his oldest brother Thomas Pigott did have a runner. It is known that Thomas was a racing enthusiast and was almost certainly the Mr Thomas Pigott whose grey mare Infanta was entered in the King's Plate at the Curragh in September 1739 when beaten in the first heat. By 1760 meetings were extended to five days, spread over a six day period in October 1760. That meeting began on Monday 13th October with a 4 year old Purse which went to Mr Forster’s Promise. As was traditional in those early days, a day off was taken on Thursday for hunting, before the meeting concluded on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th when Sir Edward O’Brien’s Lottery won the 100 Guineas race. The racecourse, which today is a 10 furlong right-handed oval track complete with 6 hurdles and 7 steeplechase fences, is located on the outskirts of the town on land owned by the Molony family. Racing continued to be well received and, on occasions, cards included flat races. There was a difficult period in the 1840s and 1850s during the Great Famine, but the course came through that, although at times there was insufficient spent on course maintenance towards the end of the 19th century. So much so that when the Irish Turf Club appointed course inspectors in 1907 Thurles was one course which was criticised. However, they completed the required work to meet an exacting standard and are as strong today as ever. Currently the course hosts 10 fixtures annually, with its principal race being the Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase, previously the Anaglog’s Daughter Mares Novice Chase, over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs. The track also hosts the Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles which is run in late February or early March and was first run in 2004.
Monday 13th October 1760
Thurles £50 4 year old Stakes
1. Promise, bay horse owned by Mr Forster
2. Unnamed mare owned by Mr French
Tuesday 14th October 1760
Thurles £50 Stakes for aged horses
1. Brutus, brown horse owned by Cornet O’Brien
2. Hobgoblin, bay horse owned by Colonel Archdale
3. Spot, grey horse owned by Sir Ralph Gore
Wednesday 15th October 1760
Thurles £50 Stakes for 6 year olds
1. Unnamed grey horse owned by Colonel Archdale walked over
Friday 17th October 1760
Thurles £25 Open Stakes
1. Unnamed grey horse owned by Colonel Archdale walked over
Thurles £25 Stakes
1. Game Cock, bay horse owned by Mr Henry
2. Unnamed black horse owned by Mr Fitzgerald
Saturday 18th October 1760
Thurles £100 Freemasons Stakes
1. Lottery, bay mare owned by Sir Edward O’Brien
2. Munster Lass, bay mare owned by Mr Docherty
3. Bajazetta, bay mare owned by Mr Fortescue
The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase is run over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs and was previously known as the Anaglog's Daughter Mares Novice Chase, named after the 1980 Arkle Chase winner trained by Bill Durkan. A list of winners is shown below.
2003 The Listed Anaglog's Daughter Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Come in Moscow (14/1) trained by John Joseph Murphy and ridden by Keith Hadnett, beating Princess Symphony (10/1) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by B M Cash, with Be My Belle (1/2 fav) trained by S J Treacy and ridden by Timmy Murphy in thid
2004 The Grade 3 Anaglog's Daughter Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Stashedaway (5/4 fav) trained by Michael O’Brien and ridden by Davy Russell, beating Rose Perk (8/1) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by Michael Darcy, with Sheer Frustration (10/1) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by B M Cash in third
2005 The Grade 3 Anaglog's Daughter Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Adarma (4/1) trained by Christy Roche and ridden by Tony McCoy, beating Nolans Pride (5/2 fav) trained by W J Burke and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Another Dollar (4/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty in third
2006 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Court Leader (7/2 fav) trained by Thomas Mullins and ridden by Robbie Power, beating Carrigeen Kalmia (6/1) trained by R H Lalor and ridden by Miss E A Lalor, with American Jennie (4/1) trained by Michael Cullen and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2007 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Gazza’s Girl (5/4 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Sabina Park (8/1) trained by Mrs D A Love and ridden by J R Barry, with Chicago Vic (11/4) trained by Emmet McNamara and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2008 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Pomme Tiepy (8/11 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Pip ‘n Pop (66/1) trained by Thomas Gerard O’Leary and ridden by Andrew Leigh, with All Heart (25/1) trained by Thomas Mullins and ridden by Niall Madden in third
2009 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Moskova (7/2) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Paddy Flood, beating Leanne (8/1) trained by W Harney and ridden by Robbie Colgan, with Rory’s Sister (11/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by D G Hogan in third
2010 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Tally Em Up (7/2 jt fav) trained by Phillip Rothwell and ridden by Davy Russell, beating Inistioge (6/1) trained by Garvan Donnelly and ridden by Robbie Power, with Tilly Ann (7/1) trained by N F Glynn and ridden by Davy Condon in third
2011 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by For Bill (5/2) trained by Michael Winters and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Blazing Temple (7/4 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with Cool Quest (12/1) trained by Terence O’Brien and ridden by Kevin Coleman in third
2012 The Grade 3 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Knockfierna (6/4 fav) trained by Charles Byrnes and ridden by Davy Russell, beating Belle Brook (25/1) trained by Michael Cullen and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Dare To Doubt (3/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2013 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Noras Fancy (14/1) trained by James Joseph Mangan and ridden by Patrick Mangan, beating Danagan Daylight (20/1) trained by C A Murphy and ridden by Robbie Power, with Charlie’s Vic (8/1) trained by Noel Kelly and ridden by Derek Fox in third
2014 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Byerley Babe (3/1) trained by Robert Tyner and ridden by Philip Enright, beating Une Artiste (6/5 fav) trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Caolmhe’s Delight (12/1) trained by Sean O’Brien and ridden by Paul Townend in third
2015 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Vroum Vroum Mag (1/2 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Elsie (33/1) trained by Thomas Mullins and ridden by M P Fogarty, with Toye Native (28/1) trained by C A McBratney and ridden by Adrian Heskin in third
2016 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Aunt Nora (33/1) trained by Pat Fahy and ridden by David Mullins, beating Queens Wild (10/1) trained by Edward Harty and ridden by Adrian Heskin, with Melbourne Lady (16/1) trained by P Fegan and ridden by Matthew Bowes in third
2017 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Westerner Lady (4/6 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Daisy’s Gift (8/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with Not For Burning (11/1) trained by Mrs Denise Foster and ridden by Robbie Power in third
2018 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Dinaria Des Obeaux (11/10 fav) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, beating Magic of Light (9/2) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Robbie Power, with Youcantcallherthat (10/1) trained by Denis Gerard Hogan and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2019 The Grade 2 Coolmore National Hunt Sires Mares Novice Chase over 2 miles 4 ½ furlongs was won by Camelia de Cotte (11/10 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, beating Grey Waters (16/1) trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien and ridden by J J Slevin, with Ellie Mac (9/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Robbie Power in third
The Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles is run in late February or early March and was first run in 2004. A list of previous winners is shown below.
2004 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Kim Fontaine (7/2) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Strike Back (6/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Old Flame (10/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by David Casey in third
2005 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Teeming Rain (10/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by Davy Casey, beating Sweet Kiln (13/2) trained by James Bowe and ridden by Robbie Power, with Chicago Vic (16/1) trained by Mrs Marian Flavin and ridden by Miss Nina Carberry in third
2006 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Mouthenry (11/10 fav) trained by Charles Byrnes and ridden by Andrew McNamara, beating Tengo Ambro (16/1) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Paddy Flood, with One Cool Cookie (16/1) trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by David Casey in third
2007 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Kazal (5/6 fav) trained by Eoin Griffin and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Chomba Womba (16/1) trained by Ms Margaret Mullins and ridden by Tommy Treacy, with Holly Tree (10/1) trained by E Sheey and ridden by Roger Loughran in third
2008 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Cooldine (6/4 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Ballycullen Boy (16/1) trained by Mrs Maureen Danagher and ridden by Niall Madden, with Deal Maker (7/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Roger Loughran in third
2009 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Clan Tara (4/1) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Davy Russell, beating The Bishop Looney (9/1) trained by T J Nagle junior and ridden by Tom Doyle, with Healys Bar (14/1) trained by Oliver McKieman and ridden by Niall Madden in third
2010 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Western Leader (4/1) trained by John Joseph Hanlon and ridden by Conor O’Farrell, beating Premier Victory (3/1 fav) trained by T Hogan and ridden by John Cullen, with Kerb Appeal (9/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend in third
2011 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Hidden Cyclone (13/8) trained by John Joseph Hanlon and ridden by Andrew McNamara, beating Pineau De Re (12/1) trained by Philip Fennton and ridden by Brian O’Connell, with Skorcher (12/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Emmet Mullins in third
2012 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Lyreen Legend (3/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Bryan Cooper, beating Folsom Blue (evens fav) trained by Conor O’Dwyer and ridden by Davy Russell, with Bridget’s Pet (16/1) trained by Anthony Mullins and ridden by Danny Mullins in third
2013 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Bright New Dawn (6/4 fav) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Davy Russell, beating Mala Beach (8/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Condon, with Jennies Jewel (20/1) trained by Jarlath Fahey and ridden by Ian McCarthy in third
2014 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Giantofaman (7/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Gallant Tipp (4/1) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Mark Walsh, with Draycott Place (33/1) trained by John Patrick Ryan and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2015 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Sub Lieutenant (7/2) trained by Sandra Hughes and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Milsean (4/5 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Bryan Cooper, with Total Recall (16/1) trained by Ms Sandra Hughes and ridden by Jonathan Burke in third
2016 The Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Acapella Bourgeois (5/2) trained by Sandra Hughes and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Nambour (7/2) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Bryan Cooper, with Road To Respect (14/1) trained by Eoin Griffin and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2017 The Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Tin Soldier (100/30) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Moulin A Vent (15/8 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Sean Flanagan, with Champagne Classic (9/4) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Bryan Cooper in third
2018 The Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Blow By Blow (7/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, beating Gun Digger (7/2) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, with Not Many Left (15/8 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Robbie Power in third
2019 The Grade 3 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Go Another One (6/1) trained by John McConnell and ridden by Robbie Power, beating Notebook (9/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Rachael Blackmore, with Denwork (9/2) trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien and ridden by Mark Walsh in third
