Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports across the United States, but while various states across the nation have exciting races taking place on track throughout the season, Alabama is an area that has no action.

There have been fresh hopes that racing could return to the state in recent years after Wild Creek Hospitality has purchased Birmingham Race Course, but there has been no movement in the potential over the last 12 months.

Their decision not to pursue that avenue means it has now been 30 years since Alabama last hosted any horse racing action, leaving fans of the sport travelling to other states to watch live action on track. Meanwhile, you can check the best horse betting sign up bonus for 2025.

 

History of Horses in Alabama

Horses have a deep-rooted history in Alabama, as they were a vitally important part of the early settlement in the region. During this early history, horses were used for transportation reasons, and also help to provide labor.

Horses continue to play an important role in the state to this day, with around 5% of the households in the state having a connection to a horse. That is echoed by the fact that there are reportedly over 180,000 equines that call Alabama home.

Early in history, the first horses to live in Alabama were brought in by European explorers, and horse racing was evident around Huntsville around the time of the First World War. However, following the 1950s and 60s this would stop, and horses would be used mainly for agricultural reasons.

 

Horses in Alabama in the Modern Day

Quarter horses remain among the most found in the region, as over 49,000 are registered in Alabama. These are mainly used as show horses, while they can also be used for short-distance races. Other popular types of horses in the state nowadays include racing horses and plantation horses.

Horses of all breeds can be found within the state, but Alabama was a pioneering force in developing the formations of McCurdy Plantation Horses. These were developed in Lowndes County, and they are mostly used as walking equines.

The breed was recognised as distinct in 1971, and the state would later be an influential figure in the formation of the Racking Horse Breeders’ Association of America, who’s headquarters can be found in Morgan County.

 

Horse Activities in the State

Despite there being no horse racing in the state, there are various activities that focus on equines within Alabama. Trail riding is the most popular activity, as all breeds found within state lines can be used.

Horses are also commonplace at around 90 rodeos throughout the year, while riders from the western areas of the United States also compete in barrel racing, team penning, and cutting.

One of the fastest growing activities in the state revolves around English disciplines such as show jumping, dressage and three-day evening. Furthermore horses are also used for less common activities within the state such as polo, field trials for hunting dogs, and parades.

Horses are also hugely important for the wide selection of colleges in the state of Alabama. Founded in 1995, Auburn University’s equestrian team is one of the most successful in the United States, winning several major titles at the Varsity Equestrian National Championships.

A number of other programmes are also offered at the colleges, which includes therapeutic riding. This is an excellent option for those that are emotionally challenged, or suffering from physical or mental illnesses. The program at Alabama Institute of the Deaf and Blind in Talladega is one of the biggest in the world.

 

Could Horse Racing Ever Return to the State?

The potential of horse racing returning to the state of Alabama looks incredibly slim at this stage, as Birmingham Race Course would present the only qualifying location. The track remains in tact, but the new owners at the course have made no commitment to bringing the sport back to the region.

However, there remains an excellent selection of options in terms of watching simulcasts of racing from across the United States. Fans of the sport can watch racing at Birmingham Race Course, and bets can be placed on the racing from across the U.S. Meanwhile, streaming and betting options can also be found at the three dog tracks found in Alabama- Mobile, Jefferson, and Macon.

Therefore, it would appear that Alabama’s closest relation to active thoroughbred racing will remain the Alabama Stakes, which is held annually at Saratoga. The Grade One held in New York is named in honour of William Cottrell, who was from Mobile in the state.

This race is one of the most notable on the U.S. stakes schedule, with the Grade One being run by fillies aged three. There have been some notable winners of the race throughout modern history, including talented fillies such as Nest, Malathat, and Swiss Skydiver.