Alabama Thoroughbred Owners Push to Revive Racing After 30 Years

UPDATE: Thoroughbred owners in Alabama are ramping up efforts to bring horse racing back to the state for the first time in 30 years. As they eagerly watch the Magic City Classic Stakes this Friday at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, which boasts an $85,000 purse, their ambitions are clear: revive a beloved sport that once thrived in the Yellowhammer State.

The Birmingham Race Course hasn’t seen thoroughbred races since 1995, but the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is determined to change that. President David Harrington stated, “We’re hoping to eventually return live thoroughbred racing to Alabama. We have the infrastructure to do so, and many parts of Alabama’s agricultural industry would benefit.” This push for revival comes at a time when horse racing across the U.S. has faced significant declines, with more than 40 tracks closing since 2000.

The Birmingham Turf Club, which opened in 1987, attracted over 13,000 visitors on its first day. However, it struggled financially and closed after just 175 days, culminating in investors losing around $50 million. Despite these setbacks, the historical significance of horse racing in Alabama remains, with Harrington emphasizing that the state could benefit economically from a revival.

Earlier this week, members of the association reiterated their commitment to revitalizing the sport. They highlighted the potential for job creation and economic stimulation, stating that thoroughbred racing could add thousands of jobs to the local economy. “I love promoting Alabama thoroughbreds,” said Kent Gremmels, another prominent figure in the movement. “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.”

Recent efforts have seen approaches made to the Birmingham Race Course about bringing back horse racing. However, those proposals have not yet been seriously considered. The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association remains hopeful, citing successful renewals of racing in states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia as models for Alabama’s potential resurgence.

With the New Orleans race on the horizon, the energy among Alabama’s thoroughbred owners is palpable. They are not just spectators; they are advocates for a return to local racing, believing that it could restore a lost tradition while invigorating the state’s economy.

As developments unfold surrounding the potential revival of horse racing, all eyes will be on Alabama. Will the state embrace this historic sport once again? The movement is gaining momentum, and supporters are committed to making their voices heard. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.