ARLINGTON PARK

Euclid Avenue & Wilke Road
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60006
(847) 255-4300
http://www.arlingtonpark.com

Arlington Park Racing Dates
May 4 - September 16

Racetrack Information
Main track (dirt): 1-1/8 mile oval with a 1 mile chute
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 1,049 feet
Width of stretch: 90 feet
Composition: 5 1/2 cushion pad - sand top soil mixture, 18% clay, 22% silt, and 60% sand
Turf: 1 mile, inside main track
Length of stretch from last turn to finish line: 990 feet
Width of stretch: 150 feet
Composition: manicured lawn of tight-knit grasses, 15% red fescue, 52% Kentucky bluegrass, 31% perennial rye, grass height maintained at 4 inches during racing season; dark brown topsoil with 3% organics

Track History and Fun Facts: Arlington Heights, Illinois, is a city of about 76,000 people, making it Chicago's largest northwest suburban municipality. Arlington Park Racetrack was opened in 1927 when over 20,000 spectators came to witness jockey Joe Bollero win the first race aboard Luxembourg. In 1933, Arlington Park made a massive step in horse racing history when it released the first all-electric Totalisator, a computer system that registers bets and divides the total amount bet among those who won. This system not only reduced the time between races but also increased the credibility of wagering information. Arlington Park was the first to install what was called an "Eye in the sky". A high-speed motion picture camera that quickly showed its value as it all but eliminated the need for judge's decisions on close matches. On July 31, 1985, when a small fire spread quickly out of control and completely destroyed the grandstand and clubhouse. Unsure of the future of Arlington, the meet was moved to Hawthorne Race Course. Yet it was announced that the Arlington Million would still be held at Arlington Park.

In 1981, Arlington Park held the "Arlington Million", the world's first "million" dollar race. Jockey Bill Shoemaker, riding John Henry, won the race by edging out 40-1 long shot, Bart. This come-from-behind victory was an amazing accomplishment and a bronzed statue of John Henry was placed on the top of the paddocks at Arlington Park.