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.

In 1933, the first electric totalisator was installed here. This enabled a decrease in time between races and a credible tote board. Seven years later, an electric starting gate was installed. In the 1960s, Arlington Park boasted the sporting world’s largest closed circuit TV system. Trifecta wagering was introduced in 1971.

By the year 1981, Arlington Park was more than ready to play host to the first million dollar race in the world. It would be known as the Arlington Million. The winner of that race was John Henry, who was rode by jockey Bill Shoemaker.

Shoemaker’s victory is immortalized in a bronze statue at the top of Arlington Park’s paddock. It was a come-behind-victory over a 40 to 1 long shot that thrilled the crowd, and has gone down in to the annals of race history.

But the 1980s also saw challenges for Arlington Park. An Illinois investment group led by Richard Duchossois, who promised to continue holding races there, purchased it.

Then, in the summer of 1985, a fire destroyed the clubhouse and grandstand. It was uncertain whether the Arlington Million would be able to continue at its spiritual home. The meet was tentatively moved to the Hawthorne Race Course, yet at the last minute, they were able to hold it at Arlington Park by adding temporary bleachers. Four years later, the full track was able to re-open.