2012 Million Event Timeline
Sunday, August 12
o Watch the horses go through their morning training regimen against a breathtaking backdrop of early morning sunlight and enjoy a delicious Breakfast buffet from 7:30am - 9:30am. Track announcer John G. Dooley and Arlington television personalities Jessica Pacheco, Alyssa Ali and Howard Sudberry host an entertaining, informative program from 8:30am - 9:30am. From jockeys to trainers to racing officials, our featured guests from all walks of Thoroughbred racing will be covering everything from training horses to track maintenance. Gates open at 7:30am for Breakfast at Arlington and admission is free. You'll have an option to purchase a delicious breakfast buffet for $12 (unlimited pass through). A discounted price of $8 will be available for children under 17 (on-site only, children's price not available online).
Monday, August 13
o No live racing
o Jockey Charity Event: "Partner for Progress" 23525 West Milton Road in Wauconda, Ill. from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, August 14
o No live racing
o Horseplayernow.com Night School: Handicapping Turf Races - 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 15
o No live racing
o Post Position Draw for Arlington Million, Beverly D., Secretariat Stakes & American St. Leger - Noon at WGN-TV studios, 2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago. Invitation only.
Thursday, August 16 - Value Day/Seniors Day
o Gates open at 11:15 a.m.
o Post time - 1:00 p.m.
o Value Day- General Admission $6.
o Seniors Day - General Admission for only $4 for guests 55 and older
o The annual Arlington Million Ladies Luncheon, entitled "Racing for a Cure" on behalf of cancer research, will be held on Aug. 16 from 11:45 a.m. until the last race in the International Room at Arlington Park.
On the 10th anniversary of event, Sheila Thayer, owner of Tampa Bay Downs, will receive the 2012 Chenery award. Christine Janks, a trainer of great distinction in the Midwest, will receive the 2012 Illinois Distinguished Woman in Racing Award. Zoe Cadman, HRTV analyst and a former jockey at Illinois tracks, will receive the 2012 Media Award.
Noted television racing analyst Caton Bredar will serve a Mistress of Ceremonies for the event, which begins at 11:45 running through the last race. The event will be held in the International Room and includes lunch, a wine raffle and silent and live auctions. Entertainment will be provided by The Metropolis Theatre.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation.
For those wanting to attend, R.S.V.P. by Aug. 8 to (phone) 708-267-6706 or email to Zimms1948@aol.com.
Tickets: $125.00
Tables of 10: $1,250.00
50/50 raffle tickets $ 50.00
o Horseplayernow.com Arlington Million Handicapping Seminar 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 17 - "Dining with the Dynasty"
o Gates open at 1:00 p.m.
o Post time - 3:00 p.m.
o Party in the Park - Live Music by "Hey Jimmy" from 4:30-8:30 p.m.
o Once again in 2012 as part of the festivities leading up to the Arlington Million, five retired jockey greats will return to the saddle for one race and square off against five of the top riders in the Arlington Park standings in the “Arlington Fab 5” vs. “Legends” turf race complete with pari-mutuel wagering to be held on Friday, August 17, one day before the 30th running of the Arlington Million.
Slated to take a one-day break from retirement are Hall-of-Fame jockey Earlie Fires; Patti Cooksey, who has been participating in similar Legends races the last few seasons; former Arlington Park Rising Star and now HRTV Broadcaster Zoe Cadman, former Eclipse Award winning rider Frank Lovato Jr.; and Midwestern mainstay Larry Melancon.
The top five riders in the Arlington standings are Francisco Torres, James Graham, Rosemary Homeister Jr, Seth Martinez and Jeffrey Sanchez.
The five former riders will be at Arlington as part of the day’s third annual “Dining With The Dynasty” fund raiser, a charity event that brings legendary jockeys from all over the country to raise funds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America. For more information about these organizations, visit their websites at www.pdjf.org and www.rtcail.org.
A limited number of tables will be available for purchase for $600 in Arlington Park’s exclusive Turf Club from Noon until 1 p.m. where ticketholders will enjoy lunch with the legendary and Hall of Fame jockeys such as Walter Blum, Bill Boland, Zoe Cadman, Patti Cooksey, Jean Cruguet, Pat Day, David Erb, Jackie Fires, Earlie Fires, Frank Lovato Jr., Chris McCarron, Larry Melancon, John Rotz, and Barbara Jo Rubin. The jockeys will share stories, reminisce about racing experiences and will autograph your racing memorabilia. Tickets can be purchased from the PDJF by contacting Nancy LaSala at nancy.lasala@yahoo.com,
o "The Arlington Million Charity Gala" at the Medieval Times. Click here for details.
Saturday, August 18 - Arlington Million and International Festival of Racing
o Gates open at 10 a.m.
o "Jockey Legends" autograph signing
o Join Daily Herald and horseplayernow.com handicapper Joe Kristufek and special guests for an Arlington Million Q&A Handicapping Seminar at the Starting Gate Theatre beginning at 11 a.m.
o Post time - 12:15 p.m.
o The signature event of the racing season is the Grade I Arlington Million at a mile and a quarter on the turf that attracts the best grass runners from around the world. The 30th edition of the Million anchors the International Festival of Racing that also includes the Grade I $750,000 Beverly D., the sister race to the Million at a mile and three-sixteenths on the turf, the Grade I $500,000 Secretariat Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile and a quarter on the turf and the inaugural edition of the $400,000 American St. Leger at a mile and eleven-sixteenths on the turf.
o New on Million Day is the Million Party Zone, an exclusive experience with an all-inclusive food and drink package. It's all about beer, food, and fun in the exclusive Million Party Zone. Check out the details and menu here! Click here for tickets
o Experience the 30th running of the Arlington Million in style in the Million VIP Lounge in the International Room! Click here for tickets and details
Sunday, August 19 - Family Day
o Gates open at 11:15 a.m.
o First race at 1 p.m.
o Family Day featuring pony rides, a petting zoo and special activities presented by Shedd Aquarium, FireZone and North Suburban Children's Business Network
General Information
Admission
o Thursday- $6; $4 seniors
o Friday and Sunday- $8
o General Admission Arlington Million Day Aug. 18 - $18
o Children 17 and under are always admitted FREE.
Parking
o General Parking- Free
o Preferred Parking- $5
o Valet Parking- $10
For more information about Arlington Park visit www.arlingtonpark.com or call (847) 385-7500
