With its gleaming-white, palatial, six-story grandstand and lush gardens, this racecourse is one of the most beautiful showcases for thoroughbred horse racing in the world. It has a storied history stretching back to 1927, and its track has been graced by such equine stars as Citation, Secretariat, and Cigar. The track's annual Arlington Million (the sport's 1st million-dollar race) has attracted the top jockeys, trainers, and horses in past years and recently became part of the new World Series Racing Championship, which includes the Breeders Cup races. Arlington's race days are thrilling to behold, with all of racing's time-honored pageantry on display -- from the bugler in traditional dress to the parade of jockeys.
Arlington likes to say that it caters to families, and it must be said that the ambience here is more Disney than den of iniquity.
2200 W. Euclid Ave.Phone: 847/255-4300.Open: Gates open at 11am Wed-Sun. Season runs May-Sept.Admission $5 adults, $3-$6 for reserved seating.Take the Kennedy (I-94) Expressway to the I-90 tollway and exit north on Rte. 53. Follow 53 north until you reach the Euclid exit. Or, take the Metra train line to its Arlington Heights stop, which is within walking distance of the racecourse.Free parking.
