Table 2 lists breeding fees for race horses as zero, because it was assumed that horses that are actively racing are not being bred. Breeding fees for show horses are also low, because few mares that are actively showing are being bred. Horse activities result in tourism expenditures from horse owners, trainers, and spectators. This figure does not include the two major Racking Horse shows held annually in Decatur. Spectators' expenses represent the main economic impact from rodeos.
Horse racing has a large tourism impact.
Two thirds of the horses at the Birmingham Race Course are from other states. Personnel traveling with these horses purchase food, lodging, services, and supplies for themselves and the horses in Alabama. The two major Racking Horse shows in Decatur have a large impact on the Decatur area. Race Course Impacts Table 3 shows economic impact of the Birmingham Race Course in 1989. More than 900 people work at the track in positions not directly involving horses, such as concessions, security, and mutuel clerks.