Earlier this week, a significant announcement was made by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They reached an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse from the McGregor family. The McGregor family holds ownership of both the Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand, a former dog racing track in Macon County.

Optimism for the State's Horse Racing Industry

The Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is approaching this development with a cautious sense of optimism. After a long hiatus of over 25 years since the last horse racing event in Alabama, the sale of the racecourse holds the promise of a turning point in revitalizing and expanding the state's horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering industries. Currently, the racecourse offers a diverse range of gaming, simulcast horse racing, and simulcast Greyhound racing activities.Although the association remains uncertain about the precise plans for the facility, they are hopeful that PCI's investment in the Birmingham Racecourse will mark the beginning of a new era for horse racing in the state.The $80 million state-of-the-art facility that opened in 1987 was a grand venue. It featured a one-mile dirt oval track and a seven-furlong turf course, although the latter was never utilized. 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. With 1,200 horse stalls and ample parking, it was designed to accommodate a large number of visitors.The track's debut was a grand affair, with a performance by the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the presence of jockey Bill Shoemaker. However, initial success was followed by a decline in attendance, and the track faced financial challenges. It closed in 1988 but reopened in 1989 with a blue-collar rebranding and an extended race season. Despite these changes, financial difficulties persisted, and by 1992, dog racing replaced horse racing. Eventually, horse racing came to an end in 1995.David Harrington, President of the ALHBPA, expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity. He 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 long been a significant economic driver in the Southeast, providing employment opportunities in various industries such as breeding, training, stable hands, jockeys, veterinarians, and support staff. It is also crucial to the agricultural sector and tourism economy. The revival of the horse racing industry in Alabama could have a major impact on both local and state economies.Kent Gremmels, a member of the AHBPA, said, "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. 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 has made it clear that, along with other key stakeholders, they are committed to working with PCI to ensure the flourishing of horse racing in Alabama. This includes safeguarding existing jobs, protecting the sport's traditions, and promoting the growth of the breeding and training industries.Harrington added, "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. 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 set to purchase the course and is expected to complete the sale by early 2025 at an undisclosed price. Wind Creek Hospitality has announced its 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 live horse racing will return to the BRC remains uncertain, 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.Don't miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama's leading headlines delivered to your inbox.