One of three racecourses in County Tipperary, racing has taken place at Thurles since 1732 and it has long been considered a highly-important asset to Irish National Hunt racing. The reason for this is that the remarkably resilient ground there can be raced on after all but exceptional amounts of rainfall and it can withstand a large amount of racing during the winter months. It host 11 fixtures between October and March every year.

Thurles plays host to three Grade 2 contests, with the Kinloch Brae Chase in January being the most high profile. It has been won by the likes of Native Upmanship (three times), Newmill (twice), Hi Cloy and Don Cossack.