Chicago Horse Racing Legacy and Its Decline

Horse racing in the Chicago area reached a symbolic end in July when Hawthorne Race Course closed its doors. This closure occurred 40 years after Arlington Park hosted Illinois’ most significant horse racing event, the International Festival of Racing. Held between August 19 and September 1, 1986, the festival featured 13 high-level graded races, including six Grade I, four Grade II, and three Grade III races. It also included four major races exclusively for Illinois-bred horses, setting an unprecedented standard in the state’s racing history.

A pressing question concerns the decline of horse racing in Chicago: financial mismanagement and irresponsibility are major factors. The event had total purses of over $5 million, averaging about $385,000 daily. This figure was only exceeded in 2002 during the Breeders’ Cup, showcasing the festival’s extraordinary scale. “Except for the Breeders’ Cup, there never has been a meeting like this,” remarked Nick Clark, President of the International Racing Bureau.

Averaging 17,819 attendees daily, the festival generated significant betting revenue. Each day, around $2,383,052 was wagered, primarily through on-track and nearby simulcast locations, such as Sportsman’s Park and Balmoral Park.

The International Festival of Racing was inspired by “the Miracle Million” held in 1985, shortly after a major fire destroyed Arlington Park’s clubhouse and grandstand. Despite the devastation, the famous Million race took place less than a month later, paving the way for future events.

Arlington’s majority owner, Dick Duchossois, sought to replicate the success of “the Miracle Million” by organizing a mini-meeting modeled after short festivals seen in England and France. “It is essential to have a world-class track in the Midwest,” Duchossois asserted, emphasizing Arlington’s high-quality grass course.

The standout event was the Arlington Million, noted as the world’s first million-dollar race in 1981. In 1986, Estrapade, a 6-year-old mare, claimed victory with a record 5-length margin, marking her place in history as the only female winner.

Besides attracting renowned trainers and jockeys from across North America and Europe, the festival resonated strongly with the racing community. Sumptuous’s victory with long odds of 35-1 highlighted the event’s unpredictable nature.

The festival success spurred Duchossois to propose a full 91-day meeting. However, after announcing grand plans for an equestrian complex and redevelopment at Arlington Heights, he eventually shifted the Million to Woodbine in 1988.

The newly rebuilt Arlington Park debuted in 1989. Architectural Digest praised it as “the world’s most beautiful racetrack.” Yet, Duchossois later closed it in 1998 and then again in 1989, citing the need for legislative tax incentives.

In 2000, Duchossois merged Arlington with Churchill Downs, Inc. (CDI). Initially promising, this move allowed CDI to organize the 2002 Breeders’ Cup. But over time, Duchossois reduced his stake, influencing the trajectory of the track.

CDI’s acquisition of Rivers Casino in 2019 prompted the sale of Arlington to the Chicago Bears, leading to decisions that ended track gambling. The final meet took place in 2021, and CDI rebranded the Million race as the Mr. D. Stakes, reducing its purse to $600,000.

Globally, horse racing has evolved with higher stakes. Sydney’s The Everest boasts a $20 million purse for grass races, while Riyadh’s Saudi Cup holds the same value for dirt races. Moreover, the Breeders’ Cup now spans two days and attracts international contenders.

Despite its downfall, many in the industry remember Duchossois as pivotal in international horse racing. His legacy remains a testament to the heights Chicago’s racing scene once reached, according to Bob Kieckhofer, a seasoned international racing correspondent.

Neil Milbert, who has extensively covered horse racing, reflects on the impact and historical significance of the 1986 Festival.