Could horse racing return to Birmingham? Alabama horsemen are hopeful

Earlier this week, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced an agreement to purchase the Birmingham Racecourse from the McGregor family. The McGregor family owns both the Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand, a former dog racing track in Macon County.

The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is expressing cautious optimism for the future of the state’s long-dormant horse racing industry.

After more than 25 years since racing was last held in Alabama, the sale of the racecourse marks a potential turning point in the state’s effort to revive and grow its horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering industries. Currently, the racecourse offers 777 gaming, simulcast horse racing, and simulcast Greyhound racing.

The association acknowledges that they are still uncertain about the exact plans for the facility — however, they are hopeful that PCI’s investment in the racecourse could signal the beginning of a new era for horse racing in the state.

The $80 million state-of-the-art facility opened in 1987. It featured a one-mile dirt oval track and a seven-furlong turf course that was never used. The grandstand was a seven-story structure with multiple levels, including exclusive dining and viewing areas such as the Doncaster restaurant, the Newmarket Room, the Ascot dining room, and the Longchamp room. The facility boasted 1,200 horse stalls and ample parking, making it a grand venue.

The track’s debut was extravagant, with a performance by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and an appearance by jockey Bill Shoemaker. However, after the initial success, attendance declined, and the track struggled. It closed in 1988 and reopened in 1989 with a blue-collar rebranding and briefly extended its race season. Even with those changes, financial challenges continued, and by 1992, dog racing replaced horse racing. By 1995, horse racing had ended entirely.

David Harrington, President of the ALHBPA, stated, “We welcome this opportunity to reintroduce racing to Alabama, and we see PCI’s purchase of the Birmingham Race Course as a step in the right direction for the future of the sport in our state. Horse racing has not been held in Alabama since 1995, and we believe that with the right investment, this sale could lead to the revitalization of not only the BRC but the entire state’s equine industry. We look forward to working with PCI to bring horse racing back to Alabama and ensure the continued growth of this important industry.”

Horse racing has been a significant economic driver for the Southeast, supporting thousands of jobs across a wide range of industries, from breeders and trainers to stable hands, jockeys, veterinarians, and support staff. The horse racing industry is also critical to the agricultural sector and tourism economy, and its revival could provide a major boost to both local and state economies in Alabama.

“We are optimistic that PCI’s investment in the Birmingham Race Course will lead to the creation of new jobs and opportunities for Alabama’s horsemen and women,” said Kent Gremmels, a member of the AHBPA. “This sale could be a game-changer for the state’s racing and breeding community, and we look forward to collaborating with PCI to restore Alabama’s reputation as a leader in the equine industry.”

The AHBPA indicated that, along with other key stakeholders, it is committed to working alongside PCI to ensure that horse racing can once again flourish in Alabama. This includes safeguarding existing jobs, protecting the sport’s traditions, and fostering the growth of the breeding and training industries.

“We are excited to engage with PCI as they take over the Birmingham Race Course, and we are optimistic that this will be the first step in bringing horse racing back to Alabama,” said Harrington. “With the right leadership and investment, we believe that Alabama’s horse racing industry has the potential to thrive once again, providing economic benefits and creating jobs for many years to come.”

Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band, is purchasing the course and is expected to finalize the sale by early 2025 at an undisclosed price. Wind Creek Hospitality announced that it plans to “transform the Birmingham Racecourse into a premier entertainment destination” and will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horse racing games currently in operation at the facility.

Whether or not live horse racing returns to the BRC remains to be seen, but it does offer a glimmer of hope for Alabama equestrians.

Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.