Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Alabama has had a vibrant yet somewhat rocky relationship with professional horse racing in the past. Like pretty much any state, you can find low-tier events with relative ease. But if your goal is to watch true champions compete at high-quality venues that smell of money, mint julep, and this year’s greatest trends in fashion, you might have a harder time.

Alabama hasn’t been a major presence in the world of championship horse racing since the twentieth century. While this might come as a disappointment to people in Alabama who love horse racing, there is some room for hope. You can check here how many tournaments exist in the state: https://www.twinspires.com/tournaments

What does the future of horse racing look like in Alabama? Let’s get into it.

History of Horse Racing in Alabama

Birmingham Alabama once had high hopes for its position in the world of professional horse racing. The Birmingham Turf Club was opened in 1987. On its first day in full operation, the venue attracted more than ten thousand guests.

A spectator watching traffic back up for miles and miles on the highway might easily assume a bright and sunny future for racing in the great state of Alabama. The location itself would only reinforce this assumption. The Birmingham Turf Club was luxurious in every imaginable way. Grandstand seating. High-end dining. Comfortable private suites.

On opening night, the Birmingham Symphony played while the Mayor sipped champagne in the stands.

Even on that grand opening night, there were small signs of what would come. Fireworks caused a small fire. A computer error resulted in some seats getting double booked. The racehorse betting line became a backed-up nightmare.

And even with the warm reception that the opening event generated, it didn’t quite earn the $1 million in revenue that was expected.

Almost immediately, local interest tapered off. The second night attracted only 4000 guests. The owners quickly had to rethink their business model. Prices were slashed as a way of appealing to a wider audience.

Where before the Turf Club sought a glitzy, champagne sort of clientele, it now sought blue-collar ticket buyers.

That didn’t work either. One year after opening, the track had lost $50 million.

In 1989, the club returned under a different name—the Birmingham Race Course. During the early 90s, the track would pivot into greyhound racing. And while this rebranding generated modest success, it ultimately wasn’t enough. The track closed in 1995, effectively ending Alabama’s short-lived horse racing experiment.

Birmingham is Back

“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,” said David Harrington, President of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.

That’s right—the Birmingham Race Course is expected to be revitalized. Information at the time of writing is somewhat limited. While the sale is expected to be finalized in 2025, the actual details—including the sale price—are currently unknown.

Insiders have suggested that the track will require extensive renovation before they are able to host any events. The track has not been in use for thirty years, during which time maintenance has been sparse to non-existent.

It may take a while before guests are once again filling seats at this historic venue. For now, though, Alabama racing fans have cause for celebration.

Why this is a big deal:

It’s not the ability to watch horse racing in Alabama that is the most important aspect of this development. Sure, if you are located in Birmingham and appreciate regular access to your favorite sport—that’s great. The real benefit, however, is in job creation and tax revenue. Look at what the Kentucky Derby has done for the town of Louisville. Not only does it create tens of thousands of jobs, but it brings in millions of dollars in tourist revenue.

That’s a HUGE deal for one of the poorest states in the country. On average, 15% of the population in Alabama lives in poverty. That’s a sizable step up from the 10% nationally who are in the same boat. Obviously, one race track won’t turn that all around but it can be a big boon for those living in Birmingham.

Think about how many direct jobs an active racetrack can create. Hundreds of people working everywhere from the stands to the stables. Not only can this work feature competitive pay, but it is also very consistent. The racing season can last for approximately 200 days.

Meanwhile, caring for the horses themselves is a year-round task.

Don’t forget that the town of Birmingham will also benefit. The money generated by major sporting events can result in millions of dollars for the city hosting them. Restaurant bills. Hotel tabs. Extra shopping done by out-of-town race enthusiasts.

It’s a little too soon to start counting money, but this track could mean big things for Alabama in the future.