UPDATE: Thoroughbred owners in Alabama are launching a renewed effort to bring horse racing back to the state after a staggering 30 years of absence. The push comes as they watch the Magic City Classic Stakes, a one-mile race with a $85,000 purse, taking place today at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, not in Alabama.
The last thoroughbred race in Alabama was held at the Birmingham Race Course in 1995. Since then, the venue has shifted to greyhound racing, which concluded in 2020. As the race unfolds in New Orleans, Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association President David Harrington expressed hope for a revival, stating, “We have the infrastructure to do so, and many parts of Alabama’s agricultural industry would benefit.”
The Birmingham Turf Club, which opened in 1987, once attracted more than 13,000 visitors on its opening day but struggled financially and closed after just 175 days. Despite this history, the association believes a return to racing could revitalize the local economy and create thousands of jobs.
Harrington highlighted the potential benefits, saying, “Thoroughbred racing will add thousands of jobs and boost Alabama’s economy.” The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association aims to support the growth of the state’s racing and breeding industries while protecting the livelihoods of those involved in the sport.
The call for revival comes amid a national decline in horse racing, with over 40 tracks closing since 2000. However, recent renewals in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia offer a glimmer of hope. “Birmingham Race Course has been approached about bringing back horse racing, but it has not been considered to date,” the association stated.
Kent Gremmels, a member of the Alabama association, emphasized the emotional connection, stating, “I love 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.”
As the horse racing community gears up for potential changes, the focus will shift to whether the Birmingham Race Course will seriously consider the revival plan. The outcome could significantly impact the local economy and the future of thoroughbred racing in Alabama.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and its implications for the state’s racing landscape.
