Horse racing in the Chicago area came to an end in July when Hawthorne Race Course closed its doors. This marks 40 years after the momentous 1986 International Festival of Racing at Arlington Park, a notable event in Illinois racing history.
The 1986 International Festival of Racing
This 13-day festival took place from August 19 to September 1, with tents and temporary bleachers providing a fair-like setting. The event featured 13 graded races, which are akin to Europe’s group races. These included six Grade I, four Grade II, and three Grade III races alongside four major races for Illinois-breds. Purses exceeded $5 million, averaging $385,000 per day. This was unprecedented in Illinois, only surpassed by the 2002 Breeders’ Cup hosted at Arlington.
The festival was inspired by the 1985 “Miracle Million,” held shortly after a devastating fire at Arlington Park. Despite widespread destruction, the track ran the Million race less than a month later, showcasing resilience.
Duchossois’ Vision
Arlington’s majority owner, Dick Duchossois, was inspired by this success to create a mini-festival in 1986, aiming to highlight the track’s international prominence. Duchossois emphasized the importance of having a world-class track in the Midwest, especially given Arlington’s high-quality grass course. The Arlington Million, a million-dollar race initiated in 1981, served as the main event. The 1986 victory by Estrapade was historic, as she remains the only female winner.
The event drew significant media attention and showcased top talent from North America and Europe. Pat Day and Sandy Hawley shared the jockey championship, highlighting the caliber of participants.
Festival Success and Aftermath
The successes led to a planned expansion, with Duchossois securing a 91-day meeting in 1987. However, plans to move Arlington to a new location were eventually abandoned. Following renovations, the track reopened in 1989, earning praise for its design.
Despite periods of closure to secure legislative tax breaks, Arlington eventually merged with Churchill Downs, Inc. Although initially a positive alliance, it ultimately led to the track’s decline. CDI’s interest in Rivers Casino and subsequent sale of Arlington to the Bears signaled the end of an era. The contract prevented any future gambling at the site, and the Bears demolished the track for tax reasons.
Legacy and Decline
Arlington’s final meeting occurred in 2021, with the Million undergoing rebranding as the Mr. D. Stakes. The substantial cut in the purse resulted in a diminished field. Other global events now boast larger purses, like The Everest in Sydney and the Saudi Cup in Riyadh, both offering $20 million in prize money. In the U.S., the Breeders’ Cup attracts international participants, underscoring global racing trends.
Although the racing scene in Illinois has faded, Dick Duchossois’ contributions to international racing remain significant. His efforts, particularly during the 1986 Festival, left a mark on the sport’s history.
Leave a Reply