The End of an Era 🐎

For some time I had wanted to take in a day of thoroughbred racing at Arlington International Racecourse. On Thursday, I made the trip to the Chicagoland suburb of Arlington Heights to do just that. Unfortunately, it looks like I will never take in another race there, as yesterday was closing day and the property is up for sale. It will be the end of an era. The first race there took place in 1927! I hope that they gave this historic track a proper sendoff befitting its place in racing and Chicagoland sports history.

I had hoped to see one or more races in 2020 at Arlington, but the COVID-19 pandemic interfered with those plans. But I was determined to take in some races there before the track closed. I had seats at a table down by the finish line. Most of the day’s races were on the turf, but I did get to see some thundering starts and finishes up close. I have been to a couple other beautiful and historic tracks, Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Arlington certainly has its own charms.

I had a great time during my visit, but it was a bittersweet experience, particularly walking out of the facility at the end of the day’s racing. The facility is clearly still in great shape. The romantic in me hates to see the long journey come to an end, but I understand that change is inevitable. Perhaps the Chicago Bears will make Arlington Heights their new home and create more Chicagoland sports memories on that historic piece of ground. In any case, Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney/Cicero remains an option for fans of horse racing to enjoy thoroughbred and harness racing in the Chicagoland area and it has its own long history. I have made deliveries in the area and seen the horses training in the early morning hours. The facility has recently been renovated and will also host a casino. I fully expect to pay Hawthorne Race Course a visit, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

Farewell, Arlington International Racecourse! You will be missed.

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Below are links to the historic story of Arlington International Racecourse, a Chicago Tribune article about the track going up for sale, and the homepage of Chicagoland’s last remaining horse racing venue, Hawthorne Race Course.

https://www.arlingtonpark.com/plan-your-visit/history/

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-arlington-park-up-for-sale-churchill-downs-20210223-

https://www.hawthorneracecourse.com