NEWS
Alabama Senate approves bill that could bring horses back to Birmingham
Posted: Friday, March 19, 2004
The Alabama Senate passed a gaming bill on Thursday that could lead to the return of live Thoroughbred racing at Birmingham Race Course. The measure, approved on a 21-9 vote, would allow video bingo games at Birmingham Race Course and Mobile Greyhound Park. Milton McGregor, owner of the Birmingham facility, has pledged to reintroduce Thoroughbred racing there if the track receives approval for expanded gaming.
The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives, where it would need votes from at least 63 of 105 members to pass. If the bill clears the House, it would face a state referendum in the November 2 general election. A majority of Birmingham voters would also have to approve the measure for the machines to be allowed at Birmingham Race Course, either the same day or in a local election at a later date.
"We're excited; it's the first step out of three, but I think we're going to pass it in the House and then we'll leave it up to the people," said Skip Drinkard, president of the Alabama Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. "Several polls show about 65% of the public would support it, and that was prior to the Alabama Education Association giving their support for the bill. So we think we're in real good shape."
State Senator Gerald Dial (D-Lineville) sponsored the bill, which he estimates would raise from $32-million to $50-million a year for the state's Education Trust Fund, the Birmingham News reports.
Birmingham opened its $84-million facility in 1987 and halted live Thoroughbred racing eight years later, citing handle decreases. The track now conducts greyhound racing and simulcasts Thoroughbred racing.
If Birmingham receives expanded gaming, McGregor plans to invest $40-million in facility upgrades, including $3-million in backstretch renovations.—Jeff Lowe
