arlington million history
arlington million history
Arlington Million tickets bring horse racing fans into the mystique and excitement that equine sports have always offered. As the sport of horse racing grew in popularity, it was inevitable that the purses would grow right along with it. Finally, in 1981, Arlington Park staged a milestone event: The first horse race that offered a purse of $1 Million to the winner. Thoroughbred horse racing would never be the same as jockey Bill Shoemaker propelled his mount John Henry to a narrow win over The Bart. That same horse returned to Arlington in 1984 to once again claim the Arlington Million, becoming the only dual winner in the race’s history.
The Arlington Million was an instant hit among horse racing fans. Because of its popularity the Arlington Million has been run in the face of incredible adversity, such as the 1985 race, run in the shadows of a fire-devastated grandstand. Known has the Budweiser Million from the years 1986 through 1986, the Arlington Million has made it’s primary home at Arlington Park, a grand stage of thoroughbred history. The only times this race has been held at another venue was in 1988 when circumstances forced the race to be held at Woodbine Racecourse in Ontario. The Arlington Million was also skipped in 1998 and 1999, but its absence so sorely vexed thoroughbred racing fans that the Arlington Million returned in 2000 to a packed house at Arlington Park.
One of the strongest drawing cards of the Arlington Million is the course itself. Arlington Park is one of the most revered racing tracks in the country. Originally constructed in 1927, Arlington Park drew a crowd of 20,000 to see the horse Luxembourg, ridden by Joe Bollero, claim the first race ever held on its grounds. Arlington has been a leader in innovation since that first race, introducing photo-finishes to the course, along with electronic starting gates and Trifecta wagering.
Arlington Park underwent a make-over in 1989, emerging under the name of Arlington International Racecourse. The renovations included a new commitment the sports of racing and a dedication towards making thoroughbred racing a sporting event that would encompass whole families.
The vision of Arlington International racecourse is seen by many racing experts as the wave of the future. The dedication to providing a wholesome form of family entertainment along with extraordinary excitement on the course is bringing in both seasoned veterans of racing and new fans just discovering the age old tradition.
With Arlington Million tickets you can be a part of this melding of the new and the traditional at Arlington International Raceway. Come experience the lush grounds, the huge grandstands, and the excitement of thoroughbred racing at its best with Arlington Million tickets.
