Horsemen and Horsewomen across Alabama are hoping for a ‘New Era’ in Alabama’s Horse Racing Industry after Wind Creek Hospitality’s recent purchase of the Birmingham Racecourse Casino, under the direction of The Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PBCI).

On Monday, the company announced it is finalizing a sale with the casino for an undisclosed amount expected to be complete by 2025.

This news sparked excitement for horsemen and horsewomen in the state who are optimistic about the potential return to horse racing at the Birmingham Race Course.

The Birmingham Race Course, once a venue for horse racing, had its last race in 1995.

After more than 25 years since the last horse racing event at the venue, but also the state as a whole, many believe the venue now has a chance to be revitalized under new ownership.

“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 (ALHBPA).

By introducing Horseracing, Harrington says jobs will increase and their will be huge economic increase for the state.

The Kentucky Derby, the largest horse racing event in the United States, reportedly created more than 34,000 jobs and generated $1.9 billion in income from direct, indirect, and induced employees, with a billion going into the state.

Harrington says the ALHBPA plans to actively engage with the PCI as they take over the Birmingham Race Course, and they hope this will be the first step in bringing horse racing back to Alabama.