UPDATE: Thoroughbred racing may be making a comeback in Alabama after a three-decade absence, as horse owners rally for revival. This Friday, Alabama thoroughbred owners will be glued to the Magic City Classic Stakes, a prestigious race offering an $85,000 purse, held at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course.
Despite the race being hosted outside Alabama, hope is alive among breeders and racing enthusiasts. The Birmingham Race Course has not seen a thoroughbred race since 1995, but David Harrington, President of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, is optimistic. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” Harrington stated, emphasizing the potential economic boost and job creation the sport could bring to the state.
The Birmingham Turf Club, which opened on March 4, 1987, attracted over 13,000 visitors on its first day. Built at a cost of $85 million, it featured a grandstand and numerous amenities but closed after only 175 days due to financial struggles. Harrington asserts that the infrastructure remains intact for racing, providing a strong foundation for future events.
The recent sale of the Birmingham Race Course to Wind Creek has reignited discussions about the possibility of reviving horse racing. “We plan to transform the Race Course into a premier entertainment destination,” Wind Creek announced, hinting at a brighter future for racing in the region.
While horse racing has faced declines nationally, with over 40 tracks shuttered since 2000, recent revitalizations in states like Kansas and Virginia offer a glimmer of hope. Harrington and fellow advocates believe Alabama’s agricultural sector would thrive if racing returns, citing potential job creation and economic enhancement.
“We love promoting Alabama thoroughbreds,” said Kent Gremmels, another supporter at the New Orleans event. “The one thing that would make it better is being able to bring our horses home.”
As the excitement builds with the Magic City Classic Stakes, the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association remains hopeful. They are advocating for a return to live racing, aiming to restore the legacy of horse racing in Alabama.
What happens next is critical. The Birmingham Race Course has yet to formally consider proposals for returning horse racing, but with mounting support and the upcoming races, the push for revival is gaining traction. Keep an eye on this developing story as Alabama’s horse racing future hangs in the balance.
