Arlington International Racecourse
Notable Arlington Park Stakes Races
- G1 Arlington Million - 3-year-olds & up going 1-1/4 mi. on turf
- G1 Beverly D. Stakes - 3-year-olds & up fillies & mares going 1-3/16 mi. on turf
- G1 Secretariat Stakes - 3-year-olds going 1-1/4 mi. on turf
- G3 American Derby - 3-year-olds going 1-3/16 mi. on turf
History of Arlington International Racecourse
Opened in 1927, the Arlington Park Race Track has been home to some of history’s biggest names, including John Henry, Cigar, Dr. Fager, and Secretariat. Combining elegance and tradition, Arlington Park has been host to many of racing’s biggest innovations: the first all-electric totalisator, the first commercially sponsored race, and the world’s first million-dollar Thoroughbred race (the Arlington Million). The 1985 Arlington Million is known as the “Miracle Million” after the track was nearly destroyed by fire less than a month before the signature event. Racing from May to September, the Arlington Park Race Track is home to some of America’s finest turf races (the Beverly D., Secretariat, American Derby), as well as two of the first real tests for young horses in the Arlington-Washington Futurity and Arlington-Washington Lassie.
Arlington Park's Racing Surface
The synthetic surface at Arlington Park is Polytrack, which is comprised of several layers: perforated drainage pipes covered in dirt, then dense grade aggregate, clean stone, porous macadam (asphalt), about seven inches of compact Polytrack, then finally three inches of loose Polytrack.
Arlington Park Race Track Amenities
In addition to live racing, the Arlington Park racetrack offers a few great restaurants for patrons to enjoy.
Mr. D’s Sports Bar is extremely popular with race fans that are looking to enjoy a cold beverage and appetizers while watching their favorite teams and horses compete. Looking for a place to sit down for a meal with the family? Head over to
Ditka’s for steaks, burgers, and pork chops.