Memories of the First Arlington Million

This is the first time that I will be attending the Arlington Million (G1) in person, but my memories stretch back to the inaugural running, won by the indomitable John Henry.

It was the summer of 1981. Just a couple of months before, I had watched my first Kentucky Derby (G1) on television, and true to the beginner's luck of an enthusiastic nine-year-old, I liked Pleasant Colony. Of course, the instant that he won the Run for the Roses, I was doomed to be a racing fan for life. After the exultation of his Preakness S. (G1) victory, the Belmont S. (G1) seemed well within his grasp, and the Triple Crown immortality that went along with it. Unfortunately, Pleasant Colony was beaten in the Belmont, I was crushed, and didn't expect to have any other special favorite to root for.

Then, later that summer, John Henry came along. Or, to be more precise, I became aware of John Henry, because of a brand new race with a gripping name – the Arlington Million. The television commercial trumpeting the broadcast of the race, with John Henry as the superstar, had its desired effect, and I tuned in eagerly to watch my very first turf race.

It was fascinating to see horses come from all over, descending upon Arlington expressly for this fabulously rich contest. I was mesmerized by the exotic Madam Gay, who had been running in Europe. I wanted to learn about how they run over there...

Of course, John Henry was the favorite, in both wagering and sentiment alike, so he had to win, right? Apparently I had not yet absorbed my bitter lesson from the Belmont, that the horses who are supposed to win often don't.

In that inaugural Arlington Million, I was flabbergasted to see a longshot called The Bart leading in the stretch, and running on so strongly. Here comes John Henry on the outside – good. He's sure to put The Bart in his place and restore the rightful order in the universe. But The Bart isn't stopping! John Henry's inching closer, clawing back the yards, but is it too late? One final barrage to draw even with The Bart, and the two flash past the wire in unison. Did The Bart hold on? Did John Henry some way, somehow, get his nostril down in time? Yes, John Henry did it!!!

Little did I know that I had just witnessed an iconic moment in our sport, now immortalized in a monumental statue overlooking the Arlington paddock. You can glimpse a portion of that poignant statue in the upper right hand corner of this Arlington Million website.

Even after all these years, when I see the race replay, it still looks pretty dicey for John Henry in deep stretch. You can watch the race in our video section, and judge for yourself.

Besides searing that indelible image of John Henry and The Bart into racing history, the first Million set the pattern for the ensuing years -- top-class American horses seeking to defend their home turf from international invaders, thrilling stretch runs and superlative displays of equine virtue.

This year's renewal promises to uphold the grand tradition. Moreover, the Million has grown into a one-day International Festival of Racing, joined by the Beverly D. S. (G1), a world-class event for turf distaffers, and the Secretariat S. (G1) for the three-year-old set. I can't wait.