Work on all-weather track at Tipperary Racecourse will start in the first quarter of 2026

Plans for a new all-weather €30million horse racing track at  Tipperary Racecourse have been approved by Government and widely welcomed.

It is expected that contracts will be signed in early December for the Tipperary Town project.

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It is anticipated that work will commence on the new all weather track in Q1 2026, to be completed by the end of Q3 2027 with a view to staging a full winter race programme in 2027/28.

Tipperary racecourse will close for racing during construction and HRI will shortly announce alternative temporary venues for their fixtures in 2026.

The announcement was welcomed by Deputy Michael Murphy who said the project would be transformative for Tipperary Town.
“This investment of more than €30 million is transformative for Tipperary town and the wider region which will have major economic, sporting, and social benefits for everyone associated with Irish Racing.
“This all-weather track will future-proof racing and training facilities, support year-round activity, and position Tipperary as a key centre for the sport nationally. It’s a significant vote of confidence in our region’s potential.”

“This investment will breathe new life into Tipperary town and surrounding communities, building on our strong equine heritage and reinforcing the county’s place at the heart of Irish racing.”
Deputy Murphy also acknowledged the collective effort that brought the project to this point.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone involved — Horse Racing Ireland, Minister Heydon and his Department of Agriculture, in particular all associated with Tipperary Racecourse, the Management, Board of Directors, Project Team and the many volunteers — for their dedication and collaboration throughout this process,” he said.

The announcement was also welcomed by Deputy Michael Lowry.
“I warmly welcome the announcement that Horse Racing Ireland has received final approval from Minister Martin Heydon to advance the development of a second all-weather track at Tipperary Racecourse. This is a landmark investment for Tipperary and one that will deliver far-reaching benefits for our county, our racing community, and the broader rural economy.

“Tipperary has long been recognised as a powerhouse of Irish horse racing, and this project will further strengthen that proud tradition. The new All Weather Track will support year-round racing, expand training capacity, and ensure that Tipperary maintains its central role in an industry that sustains thousands of jobs and generates significant economic activity locally.

“I commend Horse Racing Ireland, Suzanne Eade, Andrew Hogan, and everyone involved for their commitment, vision and perseverance in bringing this transformative project to this stage. Their dedication, combined with strong community support, has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

“The economic and sporting benefits will be substantial—from job creation and increased tourism to enhanced opportunities for trainers, breeders, and racing enthusiasts throughout the region. The findings of the Deloitte report in 2023 highlighted the enormous value of horse racing to Tipperary; this development will only build on that strong foundation.

“I look forward to construction commencing in 2026 and to seeing this state-of-the-art facility in operation. This is a proud day for Tipperary, and I will continue to support the project as it progresses through its next stages.”

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Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager, stated: “As well as being able to stage regular flat racing throughout the winter months, we will retain the existing turf jumping fixtures to provide year-round opportunities under both codes. We will also facilitate training on the main track and a new deep sand gallop throughout the year, providing a tremendous boost for trainers in the south.”