Alabama Thoroughbred Owners Push to Revive Horse Racing NOW

UPDATE: Thoroughbred horse racing may soon make a comeback in Alabama after a 30-year hiatus. As the Magic City Classic Stakes unfolds this Friday at the New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course, Alabama thoroughbred owners are rallying for the return of live racing to the Yellowhammer State.

The stakes race, a one-mile contest with a prize of $85,000, is a poignant reminder of what Alabama has lost. The Birmingham Turf Club once attracted over 13,000 visitors on its opening day back in March 4, 1987. However, the Birmingham Race Course has not hosted a thoroughbred race since 1995, leaving fans and owners eager for a revival.

David Harrington, President of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, 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.” Harrington emphasized that bringing racing back could create thousands of jobs and significantly boost Alabama’s economy.

The Birmingham Race Course was once a premier venue, built for $85 million and featuring a grandstand that seated 5,200. Despite its initial promise, the facility struggled financially and closed after just 175 days. Though it reopened under new management, including Milton McGregor in 1992, the last horse race was held nearly three decades ago.

In recent discussions, the association has urged the Birmingham Race Course to reconsider the possibility of hosting thoroughbred races. “Birmingham Race Course has been approached about bringing back horse racing, but it has not been considered to date,” the association stated. Meanwhile, Gremmels and fellow members remain optimistic about the potential economic revival that racing could bring to the state.

As horse racing faces challenges nationwide, with over 40 tracks closing since 2000, many states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Virginia have seen a resurgence in racing. Alabama stakeholders are looking to this trend as a beacon of hope, believing they can successfully revive the sport.

The time for action is now, as Alabama’s thoroughbred owners push for a return to their roots. “I love promoting Alabama thoroughbreds,” Gremmels added. “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 Magic City Classic Stakes approaches, the call for Alabama to re-enter the racing scene grows louder. The thoroughbred community is uniting, and the stakes for economic growth and job creation have never been higher. What happens next will be critical for the future of horse racing in Alabama. Stay tuned for further developments on this urgent matter.