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Arlington Park
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Arlington Park History |
Arlington Park began its history of
thoroughbred horse racing on 13 October 1927, on an unforgettably cold
day. An excess of 20,000 fans eagerly entered the gates to Arlington
Park "the most beautiful track in America?, to commemorate this day in
equestrian history.
It thrived throughout the Golden Era of Racing after enduring the Great
Depression and World War II, and in 1981, it became the first race track
in the world to host a million dollar race, known as The Arlington
Million. This momentous occasion was frozen in time and cast in a bronze
statue aptly named "Against All Odds". It's exhibited at the top of the
Paddock, and depicts jockey Bill Shoemaker riding John Henry to victory,
honoring this foundational million dollar race.
On 31 July 1985, what started out as a small fire, ultimately brought
Arlington Park to its knees, as it spread wildly through the grandstand,
unleashing its rage right through the park. The true devastation of the
fire only became apparent once it had simmered to smoldering ash.
Determined to host the fifth Arlington Million, it was decided to stage
the race on 25 August 1985, making use of marquees and provisional
stands. Scores of men worked in shifts throughout the night, determined
to rise to the challenge, and in a collective bid of human might and
muscle, the "Miracle Million" was staged by pure tenacity. The Arlington
team's efforts weren't to go unnoticed, and they were rewarded with the
Eclipse Award. This was the first to be honored to a racetrack.
In September 1987, Arlington closed its gates to its loyal supporters
for 19 months, while it completed the erection of its new grandstand.
During this time, Arlington once again spearheaded a milestone, by
relocating the Million VIII in 1988 to Woodbine Racecourse outside of
Toronto, Ontario. Moving a key graded stakes race to another country was
to be a first in the racing fraternity.
On 28 June 1989, it welcomed its loyal supporter's back into its gates,
presenting them with its new structure, and the launch of its new image
- Arlington International Racecourse. |
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Arlington Park Contact Info |
Phone: +847 385 7500
Fax: +847 385 7251
Website: www.arlingtonpark.com
Email: track@arlingtonpark.com
Physical Address: 2200 W. Euclid
Arlington Heights, IL 60006
PPostal Address: PO Box 7
Arlington Heights, IL 60006
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| | 2009/11/20 11:35:10 AM |
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