Horse racing at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois, has been a staple of the Chicago-area racing scene since its opening in 1927. The historic track has seen some of the most famous horses, jockeys, and trainers in the sport, and continues to attract some of the best horses and riders in the country. But with the rise of off-track betting and other forms of gambling, has the popularity of horse racing at Arlington decreased? Do they still race horses at Arlington? The answer is a resounding yes.
History of Horse Racing at Arlington
Arlington Park first opened its gates in 1927, and quickly became one of the most popular venues for horse racing in the country. The track hosted some of the greatest races of the era, including the Arlington Million, Breeders’ Cup, and the Arlington-Washington Futurity, which all still take place today.
The track, which was originally owned by the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, was purchased by Richard Duchossois in 1983, who then invested millions into the facility to modernize it and make it one of the best racing venues in the world.
Racing Today at Arlington
Today, Arlington Park remains one of the top tracks in the country, and is home to some of the most prestigious races in the sport. Throughout the summer and fall, the track hosts live racing with some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the country.
The track also offers simulcast betting, which allows fans to place bets on races from around the world, as well as off-track betting facilities in Illinois. This has made it easier for fans to place bets on their favorite horses, and has helped to keep horse racing at Arlington popular.
Types of Races at Arlington
Arlington Park hosts a variety of races throughout the year, from thoroughbreds to harness racing. The track is home to the Arlington Million, the Breeders’ Cup, and the Arlington-Washington Futurity, all of which bring the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the country to the track.
The track also hosts a variety of other races throughout the year, including the Arlington-Washington Oaks, the Arlington-Washington Sprint, the Arlington-Washington Juvenile, and the Arlington-Washington Derby.
Horse Racing Events at Arlington
In addition to live horse racing, Arlington Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The track hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, and other events, such as the annual Fourth of July celebration.
The track also hosts a variety of handicapping contests, which allow fans to compete against one another to win prizes.
Arlington Racing Facilities
The facilities at Arlington Park are some of the best in the country. The track features a 1 1/8-mile dirt track, a one-mile turf course, and a seven-furlong turf course. The track also has a fully-equipped barn area for horses and jockeys, and a state-of-the-art racetrack simulcast facility.
In addition, the track also features a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a full-service restaurant, a sports bar, and a variety of concessions.
Arlington Park’s Impact on Horse Racing
Arlington Park has had a major impact on horse racing in the United States. The track has been the home of some of the most prestigious races in the sport, and is one of the few tracks that consistently draws some of the best horses and riders in the country.
The track has also helped to make horse racing more accessible to the public, through simulcast betting and off-track betting, and has helped to keep the sport popular.
Conclusion
In conclusion, horse racing at Arlington Park is still going strong. The track continues to attract some of the best horses, jockeys, and trainers in the sport, and remains one of the top tracks in the country. The track also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, and features some of the best facilities in the business. Finally, the track has had a major impact on horse racing in the United States, helping to keep the sport popular and accessible to the public.
Do they still race horses at Arlington? The answer is a resounding yes.