UPDATE: Alabama thoroughbred owners are making an urgent push to revive horse racing in the state after a 30-year hiatus. As they watch the Magic City Classic Stakes—a critical race with an $85,000 purse—taking place at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course this Friday, hopes are soaring for a comeback.
The Birmingham Race Course has not hosted a thoroughbred race since 1995, but the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is fervently advocating for a return. “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama,” stated President David Harrington. He emphasized that reviving the sport could add thousands of jobs and bolster Alabama’s economy.
Once a bustling venue, the Birmingham Turf Club welcomed over 13,000 visitors on its opening day in 1987. However, it struggled financially and shuttered after just 175 days of operation, resulting in approximately $50 million in losses for investors. Despite its troubled past, Harrington believes the infrastructure remains intact and capable of supporting thoroughbred racing.
The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association describes itself as committed to fostering the state’s racing and breeding industries. In a recent statement, they highlighted the importance of returning horse racing to Alabama, with many local agricultural sectors poised to benefit.
Harrington and fellow thoroughbred advocates are also looking at successful racing revivals in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia as proof that a comeback is possible. “I love promoting Alabama thoroughbreds,” said Kent Gremmels, another key figure in the advocacy efforts. “The one thing that would make it better is being able to bring our horses home.”
Current discussions have taken place regarding the potential return of horse racing to Birmingham, although no concrete plans have yet been announced. Harrington notes that there is significant interest from local stakeholders, and a revival could transform the racing landscape in Alabama.
With horse racing seeing a decline across the U.S. due to the closure of over 40 tracks since 2000, the Alabama initiative is an urgent response to a broader trend. Advocates are rallying support to ensure that Alabama does not miss the opportunity to reclaim its place in the racing community.
As the Magic City Classic Stakes unfolds, all eyes are on the potential for a new chapter in Alabama’s horse racing history. The thoroughbred community is poised and ready for action, and the time for revival is now.
