Alabama Thoroughbred Owners Urge Revival of Racing After 30 Years

UPDATE: Alabama thoroughbred owners are pushing for a return of horse racing to the state, marking a significant shift after 30 years without a race. This Friday, as the Magic City Classic Stakes takes place at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, local breeders are reigniting hopes for a revival in Alabama.

The Birmingham Race Course has not hosted a thoroughbred race since 1995, but key figures, including Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association President David Harrington, emphasize the potential economic benefits. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” Harrington stated. “We have the infrastructure to do so, and many parts of Alabama’s agricultural industry would benefit. Thoroughbred racing will add thousands of jobs and boost Alabama’s economy.”

The Birmingham Turf Club, which opened on March 4, 1987, originally welcomed over 13,000 visitors but struggled financially, closing after just 175 days. Despite its past failures, the facility remains a focal point for revival discussions. Wind Creek, the current owner, has plans to transform the Race Course into a premier entertainment destination, which includes a commitment to parimutuel betting.

As Harrington and other members of the association voice their aspirations, they point to recent renewals of racing in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia as models for success. The push comes at a critical time, with horse racing facing challenges nationwide, including the closure of over 40 tracks since 2000.

While the Birmingham Race Course has yet to formally consider the proposal for a return of racing, officials remain optimistic. “Birmingham Race Course has been approached about bringing back horse racing, but it has not been considered to date,” the association noted in a statement.

Local horsemen like Kent Gremmels are passionate about promoting Alabama thoroughbreds. “The one thing that would make it better is being able to bring our horses home and do it in the state where we live,” he expressed.

The potential return of horse racing in Alabama not only represents a revival of a beloved sport but also a chance to invigorate the local economy. With thousands of jobs on the line and a rich history behind it, the call to action from thoroughbred owners is resonating across the state.

As developments unfold, all eyes are on the Birmingham Race Course and the state’s decision-makers to see if Alabama’s horse racing legacy will once again take center stage.