Arlington Park Picks, Entries and Results
Arlington Park Track Details
Address: 2000 W Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Website: www.arlingtonpark.com
Meeting: Arlington Park’s live racing season currently spans the first Friday in May to the second to last Saturday in September. The meet is known especially for its turf stakes, including three Grade 1’s that occupy the same card in mid-August: the Arlington Million, the Beverly D., and the Secretariat. The track also hosts a prep day for the Arlington Million and its supporting stakes roughly a month prior, which consists of the Grade 3 Arlington Handicap, Grade 3 Modesty Handicap, and Grade 3 American Derby. Additionally, Arlington provides a number of stakes run on its synthetic main track, including three Grade 3 events.
History: Arlington Park is a horse racing facility located in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights, Illinois. Arlington was originally founded by California businessman Harry D. "Curly" Brown and debuted in 1927. Thirteen years later, the track was acquired by Benjamin F. Lindheimer, who owned it until his death in 1960. Lindheimer was also the driving force behind the 1955 match race between Kentucky Derby winner Swaps and Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner Nashua. In 1981, Arlington became the first track to offer a million-dollar purse when it hosted the Arlington Million. The great John Henry won the inaugural 1 ¼-mile turf test by a mere nose over 40-1 long shot The Bart — a result immortalized in bronze via a statue in the Arlington International paddock. On July 31, 1985, the track's grandstand and clubhouse were destroyed by a fire, so the Million was run with temporary bleachers and tents covering the grounds. The track reopened fully in 1989 and was purchased by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2000. Arlington replaced its dirt course with a synthetic track prior to the opening of the 2007 season.
Facilities: Arlington Park is considered to be one of the nicest venues in America. The track offers general admission, box and reserved seats, picnic tables, canopy tables and many more ways to take in the racing. The track itself is a 1 â…›-mile synthetic oval with a one-mile turf course inside of it, as well as a beautifully manicured infield at its center. There are several dining options on site, including the Million Room Restaurant, Terrace Cafe, and Cowboy Grille.