UPDATE: Thoroughbred owners in Alabama are making an urgent push to bring horse racing back to the state after a 30-year hiatus. As they prepare to watch the Magic City Classic Stakes this Friday, running for an $85,000 purse at the New Orleans Fairgrounds, the call for action is louder than ever.
The last thoroughbred race took place at the Birmingham Race Course in 1995. Now, members of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association are rallying to revive the sport, citing the potential for job creation and economic growth. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” said President David Harrington. “The infrastructure is still here, and many sectors of Alabama’s agricultural industry would benefit significantly.”
In its heyday, the Birmingham Turf Club attracted over 13,000 visitors on its opening day in 1987, boasting a grandstand that seated up to 5,200 people. However, financial struggles led to its closure after just 175 days, resulting in losses of nearly $50 million. Despite its turbulent history, Harrington believes that the infrastructure remains viable for returning thoroughbred racing to the state.
The Birmingham Race Course has been approached about resuming horse racing, but no formal plans have been made. Meanwhile, Harrington and other advocates are focusing on the current race in New Orleans, which they believe highlights the excitement and potential of Alabama’s racing community. “I love promoting Alabama thoroughbreds,” said Kent Gremmels, a prominent member of the association. “Bringing our horses home would be the ultimate goal.”
Officials from Wind Creek, which purchased the Birmingham Race Course, previously indicated plans to transform the venue into a “premier entertainment destination,” yet thoroughbred racing has not yet been included in those plans. The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association emphasizes that the revival of the sport could inject thousands of jobs into the local economy, stimulating growth in related sectors.
While horse racing has faced challenges nationwide, with over 40 tracks closing since 2000, recent renewals in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia offer a glimmer of hope for Alabama’s thoroughbred owners. The push to revive racing is gaining momentum as advocates continue to rally support for the cause.
With the Magic City Classic Stakes approaching, the Alabama thoroughbred community is poised for action. The stakes are high, and the future of horse racing in Alabama may hinge on the outcome of these efforts. As the situation develops, stakeholders are urged to pay close attention to potential announcements from racing officials and local government.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical initiative to bring thoroughbred racing back to Alabama.