URGENT UPDATE: Alabama thoroughbred racehorse owners are mobilizing to bring horse racing back to the state after a 30-year absence. This Friday, they will witness the Magic City Classic Stakes, a crucial one-mile race featuring an $85,000 purse, but it will unfold at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, not in Alabama.
The Birmingham Race Course, which last hosted thoroughbred races in 1995, has become a focal point for advocates seeking to revive the sport. The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is leading the charge, expressing optimism about the potential for a resurgence in horse racing within the state. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” stated David Harrington, President of the association. “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.”
History weighs heavily on this effort. The Birmingham Turf Club, which opened on March 4, 1987, attracted over 13,000 visitors on its first day but struggled financially, closing after just 175 days. Despite a significant investment of $85 million, it became a cautionary tale of failed ventures in the racing industry. After changing ownership and briefly hosting greyhound racing, the last horse race was held nearly three decades ago.
The push to revive racing comes at a time when the sport is facing a national decline, with over 40 tracks shuttering since 2000. However, advocates cite recent successful racing revivals in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia as a blueprint for Alabama’s potential comeback.
Wind Creek, the current owner of the Birmingham Race Course, has previously indicated intentions to transform the venue into a premier entertainment destination. Yet, horse racing has not been prioritized in these plans. “Birmingham Race Course has been approached about bringing back horse racing, but it has not been considered to date,” the association reported.
Kent Gremmels, a key figure in promoting Alabama thoroughbreds, echoed Harrington’s sentiments. “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,” he remarked.
The stakes are high, not just for the racing community but for the broader economy. With thousands of jobs at risk and potential benefits for Alabama’s agricultural sector, the race to revive equestrian sports is gaining momentum. Advocates are now urging state officials to reconsider the possibilities that a return to horse racing could bring.
As the Magic City Classic Stakes approaches, all eyes will be on Alabama’s racing advocates. The future of thoroughbred racing in the state hangs in the balance, igniting hope among owners, breeders, and fans alike. Will the state embrace this opportunity to bring back a beloved tradition? Only time will tell.
