UPDATE: Thoroughbred racehorse owners in Alabama are pushing for a revival of horse racing in the state after a staggering 30 years without live thoroughbred events. As the Magic City Classic Stakes unfolds this Friday at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, excitement and hope are palpable among local breeders eager to see the sport return home.
Once a thriving hub for horse racing, the Birmingham Race Course has not hosted a thoroughbred race since 1995. This year, owners are rallying under the banner of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, advocating for a much-needed economic boost through the return of racing. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” stated David Harrington, president of the association. “The infrastructure is still in place, and thousands of jobs could be created.”
The push comes as Alabama’s horse racing history is marked by both grandeur and struggle. On its opening day, March 4, 1987, the Birmingham Turf Club welcomed over 13,000 visitors. Despite a grand investment of $85 million in facilities, including a seven-story grandstand, the club struggled financially and ultimately closed after just 175 days, with investors facing losses of approximately $50 million.
The association believes that with the right conditions, Alabama could see a resurgence in horse racing, similar to recent revitalizations in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia. Harrington emphasizes the potential benefits, noting that thoroughbred racing could significantly enhance the state’s agricultural industry and local economy.
While the Birmingham Race Course has yet to officially consider proposals for reinstating horse racing, the sentiment among local owners is clear. “Bringing our horses home would be the best outcome,” said Kent Gremmels, a member of the Alabama association. The community is rallying, hoping to capitalize on a renewed interest in the sport.
With pivotal discussions on the horizon, the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is determined to advocate for thoroughbred racing’s return. The next steps will involve negotiating with local officials and stakeholders to explore the feasibility of reviving this beloved sport in the Yellowhammer State.
Stay tuned as this story develops. The future of horse racing in Alabama could shift dramatically, reshaping the state’s economic landscape and rekindling a cherished tradition.
