Arlington Racetrack Releases Stakes Schedule For Final Season

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — It is nearly post time for the start of what may be the final season of horse racing at Arlington International Racecourse. The stakes schedule for the 68-day race meet was released Thursday as the track at 2200 Euclid Ave. remains up for sale.

The race meet is scheduled to get underway with Opening Day on April 30 and will conclude on Sept. 25. Tickets for Opening Day and race dates in May will go on sale next Thursday.

The flagship racetrack for horse racing in Illinois was put up for sale in February by Churchill Downs Incorporated, the Kentucky-based company that runs Arlington.

"Arlington's ideal location in Chicago's northwest suburbs, together with direct access to downtown Chicago via an on-site Metra rail station, presents a unique redevelopment opportunity," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, in February "We expect to see robust interest in the site and look forward to working with potential buyers, in collaboration with the Village of Arlington Heights, to transition this storied location to its next phase."

Among the highlights on the stakes schedule are three Grade I races, all carrying the namesake of the Duchossois family to honor Arlington Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois and his family’s contributions to racing.

The meet's biggest day of racing, "Million Day," will be held on Aug. 14 and will feature the $600,000 Grade I Mister D. (formerly the Arlington Million), the $400,000 Grade I Beverly D., and the $300,000 Grade I Bruce D. (formerly the Secretariat), highlight the 18 stakes races during the meet worth $2,750,000. The three races are the only with a Grade I classification in the state of Illinois.

"We are very excited for the upcoming meet," Arlington President Tony Petrillo said in a statement. "Million Day has always been a highly regarded event and now to honor Mr. Duchossois and his family will make this year the most special of all. It is the day that brings the superstars of racing to our state and unprecedented attention to Illinois racing. This maintains an interest in Illinois racing for fans in the state and worldwide."

CDI owns and operates a number of racetracks and casinos across the United States, including Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and Arlington. The company bought Arlington, formerly known as Arlington Park, and its 326 acres in 2000.

While CDI may cease its relationship with Arlington Heights with a future sale of the Arlington racetrack, the company said it is hoping to relocate Arlington's racing license to another community in the Chicagoland area or elsewhere in the state.

Arlington International Racecourse employs 750 people during a typical racing year with 250 on-site. It also currently serves as a COVID-19 testing site for the state.

To learn more about the upcoming meet, visit here.

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