The Best Horse Racing Action in the Chicago area!

Arlington Park racecourse is a horse racing course located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

Arlington Park racecourse hosted the world's first million dollar race, the Arlington Million, back in 1981. The race was won by John Henry, under the direction of legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker, who defeated the longshot The Bart.

Arlington Park racecourse typically holds almost 100 thoroughbred racing dates during the months of May to September.

Arlington Park racecourse hosted the 2002 edition of the Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championships.

Among the major races held each year at Arlington Park racecourse are the following:

• Arlington Million
• Beverly D. Stakes
• Secretariat Stakes
• American Derby
• Washington Park Handicap
• Arlington Classic Stakes
• Arlington Handicap
• Arlington Matron Handicap
• Arlington-Washington Breeders' Cup Futurity
• Arlington-Washington Breeders' Cup Lassie Stakes

Arlington Park Racecourse Description

Arlington Park racecourse has the following tracks:

• 1 1/8 th mile Polytrack oval
• 1 mile turf oval

Arlington Park racecourse's seating capacity is 50,000 with extension. There is stabling on the backstretch for over 2,000 horses.

Arlington Park racecourse History

• Since the 1830s, horse racing has been going on in the Chicago area.

• In 1927, Arlington Park racecourse opened before a crowd of 20,000. The racecourse was founded by California businessman Harry D. "Curly" Brown

• In 1933, Arlington Park racecourse installed the first electric totalisator.

• In 1936, Arlington Park racecourse installed a photo finish camera.

• In 1940, the electric starting gate was installed at Arlington Park racecourse.

• In 1967, Arlington Park racecourse brought in the largest closed circuit television system in the sporting world.

• In 1971, the track introduced trifecta betting.

• In 2002, Arlington Park racecourse hosted the Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championship.

• In 2007, Arlington Park racecourse unveiled its new Polytrack synthetic surface.