30 Years of the Arlington Million Part 1

It's hard to believe there have already been 30 editions of Chicago's premier race, the Arlington Million. America's first million dollar race was such a monumental thing, especially for fans of Chicago racing, that it just doesn't seem possible that more than three decades have passed since that memorable inaugural edition. Befitting of the occasion, the first running of the Arlington Million was a classic in every sense of the word...

Many in attendance that day still wonder if John Henry really got The Bart that day, but the official Arlington Park photo shows the great gelding getting his nose on the wire a hair ahead of his challenger. John Henry came back to win another Arlington Million, three years later. He remains the only official winner of more than one Million, but if not for the plucky rail move of a three-year-old, European long shot named Tolomeo, it would have been three for the Hall of Famer...

Through thick and thin, the Arlington Million persevered. In 1985, there was the Miracle Million. Only a few weeks after the old Arlington burned to the ground, Dick Duchossois and his team somehow managed to host the Million. An amazing spirit to come back from hardship brought about blacktop, bleachers, and many, many tents. To the great appreciation of 35,000 fans, Teleprompter controlled the pace and won the Miracle Million.

The next two editions of the Million saw the only female winner, Estrapade, and the horse that I still call the best American turf horse I have ever seen, Manila, win in impressive fashion. In 1988, The Million was held north of the border, at Woodbine, as the new Arlington Park was being built. Mill Native won that one, in the only edition run away from Arlington.

Terrific turf stars like Steinlen, Tight Spot, Star of Cozzene, and Paradise Creek racked up wins at the new showplace that is Arlington Park. There was no Million in 1998 and 1999 as Arlington was shut down while Mr. D battled the state over riverboat casino competition. Still, the Arlington Million would not go the way of the dodo, and as the 21st century arrived, the Midwest's greatest show on turf would return.

Come back tomorrow for more on 30 years of the Arlington Million...