Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Mateo horseracing track Bay Meadows is one of America’s most beloved sporting arenas. It also boasts the distinction of being the longest continually open thoroughbred racing track in the state of California. Its history dates back to the year 1934.

The long-running stakes event, the Bay Meadows Handicap, was started in the year 1937. William P. Kyne introduced pari-mutuel wagering here. Bay Meadows was fortunate enough to survive the Second World War. During the war years, the track earned over four million dollars, which it donated to War Relief efforts.

Ever since Chicago’s earliest days, horse racing has been a popular sport in the region. At one point in time, Chicago had more race tracks than any other large city. But its focal point has always been the Arlington Park, a track in the Arlington Heights suburb. It was here that the first race with a million dollar reward took place, back in 1981.

The roots of Arlington Park go back to the year 1927, when over twenty thousand spectators gathered to enjoy the first race. From the very beginning, Arlington Park was known for its technological innovations. It is known as the first track to install a public address system. Clem McCarthy, the famous race caller, was hired to describe the race action to the crowd.