Horse racing has been a major part of the American sporting experience since the early 19th century. From the Kentucky Derby to the Preakness Stakes, some of the most iconic American sporting events have been horse races. One of the most famous horse racing venues in the U.S. is Arlington Park Racetrack in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Founded in 1927, Arlington Park has a long and storied history of hosting some of the most prestigious horse races in the country. So, do they still race horses at Arlington? The answer is yes.
History of Arlington Racetrack
Arlington Park Racetrack opened in 1927, and quickly became one of the premier horse racing venues in the country. It was the first racetrack to feature a modernized grandstand, which was designed to provide spectators with an amazing view of the track. Over the years, Arlington Park has been home to some of the most famous races in the U.S., including the Arlington Million, the Beverly D., and the Secretariat Stakes.
The Arlington Million
The Arlington Million is the most prestigious race at Arlington Park Racetrack. It was first run in 1981 and is considered one of the most important turf races in the world. The race is a Grade I event that is open to horses three years old and up. It is run at a distance of one and one-quarter miles on the turf and is the centerpiece of the International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park.
The Beverly D.
The Beverly D. is the second leg of the International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park. It is a Grade I event for fillies and mares three years old and up. The race is run at a distance of one and three-sixteenths miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1982.
The Secretariat Stakes
The Secretariat Stakes is the third leg of the International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park. It is a Grade I event for three-year-old colts and geldings, and it is run at a distance of one and one-quarter miles on the turf. The race was first run in 1972 and is named after the legendary triple crown winner, Secretariat.
The Arlington-Washington Futurity
The Arlington-Washington Futurity is a Grade III event for two-year-olds of either sex. It is run at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1935.
The Arlington-Washington Lassie
The Arlington-Washington Lassie is a Grade III event for two-year-old fillies. It is run at a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1935.
The Arlington Handicap
The Arlington Handicap is a Grade III event for horses three years old and up. It is run at a distance of one and one-quarter miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1937.
The Arlington Sprint
The Arlington Sprint is a Grade III event for horses three years old and up. It is run at a distance of five and one-half furlongs on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1991.
The Arlington Classic
The Arlington Classic is a Grade III event for three-year-old horses of either sex. It is run at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1989.
The Arlington Matron
The Arlington Matron is a Grade III event for fillies and mares three years old and up. It is run at a distance of one and one-eighth miles on the turf, and it has been held at Arlington Park since its inception in 1989.
Do They Still Race Horses at Arlington?
Despite the long and storied history of horse racing at Arlington Park Racetrack, the sport has been in decline in recent years. With the advent of online gambling and the proliferation of casinos, the racetrack has seen a decrease in attendance and revenue in recent years. Despite this, Arlington Park continues to host some of the most prestigious horse races in the U.S. The Arlington Million, the Beverly D., the Secretariat Stakes, the Arlington-Washington Futurity, the Arlington-Washington Lassie, the Arlington Handicap, the Arlington Sprint, the Arlington Classic, and the Arlington Matron are all still held at the track each year. So, while horse racing may not be as popular as it once was, it is still alive and well at Arlington Park Racetrack.