As trainer Larry Rivelli arrives with 100 horses for Spring Training this week, and 75 other trainers on deck for the 2021 race season, Arlington has released their stakes schedule which will showcase three Grade I races, all carrying the namesake of the Duchossois family to honor Mr. Duchossois and his family’s contributions to racing.

The feature of the 68-day race meet is on August 14th, “Million Day,” featuring and paying tribute to the Duchossois Family with the $600,000 GI Mister D. (formerly the Arlington Million) run at 1-1/4 mile, the $400,000 GI Beverly D. run at 1-3/16th mile for fillies and mares, and the $300,000 GI Bruce D. (formerly the Secretariat) run at 1 mile for three year olds, highlight the strong eighteen race stakes schedule worth $2,750,000.

The three races are the only Grade I races conducted in the state of Illinois. In addition to the $100,000 GIII Pucker Up Stakes for three year old fillies at 1-1/8th mile on the turf, there are four Illinois Stakes races being added to the Million Day celebration of racing: the six-furlong $75,000 Isaac Murphy Stakes for fillies and mares three year olds & up, the six-furlong $75,000 Addison Cammack Memorial Stakes for three year olds & up, the 1-1/16th mile $75,000 Mike Spellman Memorial Stakes for fillies and mares three year olds & up on the turf, and the 1-1/16th mile $75,000 Black Tie Affair for three year olds & up also on the turf. Million Day will showcase eight stakes races for the first time in the track’s history, with six of the races contested on the turf.

On July 17th, the track will host Million Preview Day. The day features three turf prep races for the Grade I races on Million Day worth $100,000 each: the 1-3/16th mile GIII Arlington Stakes (Mister D.), the 1-3/16th mile GIII Modesty Stakes (Beverly D.) and the listed American Derby (Bruce D.) to be contested at 1 mile. The first three horses across the finish line will have their entry fees waived for their Grade I equivalents. The 1-1/16-mile $75,000 Hatoof Stakes for three year old fillies at 1-1/16th is also slated for the turf that day.

“We are very excited for the upcoming meet,” said Arlington President Tony Petrillo. “Million Day has always been a highly regarded event and now to honor Mr. Duchossois and his family will make this year the most special of all. It is the day that brings the superstars of racing to our state and unprecedented attention to Illinois racing. This maintains an interest in Illinois racing for fans in the state and worldwide.” 

Other stakes races on the calendar are the seven furlong $100,000 GIII Chicago Stakes and the 1-mile $100,000 Hanshin Cup on Saturday, June 26th; and two Illinois Stakes, the 1-mile (Turf) $75,000 Richard P. Hazelton Memorial Stakes, the 1-mile (Turf) $75,000 Sharon N. Kirby Memorial Stakes on August 7th; the stakes program concludes on Saturday, August 28th, with the seven furlong (Turf) $75,000 Arlington-Washington Futurity, and the seven furlong (Turf) $75,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie.

As the first horses arrive on April 10th for spring training, Arlington International Racecourse is loading in the gate for the 2021 season.  Live racing is scheduled for April 30th through September 25th, highlighted by Kentucky Derby Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fireworks Night, August 14th, “Million Day,” featuring a day of racing dedicated to the Duchossois family, and September 25th, the final day of racing. 

Tickets for Opening Day and race days in the month of May will be available for purchase April 15th at noon. Tickets will go on sale on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for the following month’s race days.  June race dates will go on sale May 12th, July race dates on June 9th, August race dates on July 7th, and September race dates on August 11th.  

Inquiries for GROUP EVENTS (16 or more guests) for the entire season can be made now on arlingtonpark.com. 

This season, Arlington is making it all about history and horses. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no live entertainment events, family day activities, nor carry-in items/outside food and beverage. Facts and details about your visit can be found at Arlington FAQs. 

Arlington management encourages guests to plan ahead and purchase tickets early as seating inventory is limited.  

This year marks 92 years of racing, traditions, and memories at the historical racing venue. 

 

 

Arlington International Racecourse announced today longtime racing official, David White, has been named Racing Secretary.

White brings many years of proven racing experience to the role, having recently served as Arlington’s Assistant Racing Secretary for ten years and as a racing official at both Arlington and Hawthorne Racecourse for the past eighteen years. He joined Arlington in 2004 as a Placing Judge and has held a number of roles within the racing office during that time.

“David is a uniquely qualified individual to assume the role of Racing Secretary at Arlington having successfully and consistently represented the racing office in various capacities. He has cultivated an outstanding relationship with owners and trainers all over the country and has the experience to build a quality race program,” said Arlington International Racecourse President, Tony Petrillo. “Over its 94-year history, Arlington has gone through many challenges and has always found a way to rise above and succeed, and David is the right person to lead our racing office to a successful racing season.”

White is looking forward to his new role in the racing office. “The opportunity to serve as Racing Secretary at the most beautiful, and one of the most well know racetracks in the country, is an honor and the highlight of my long career,” said Dave White. “I am looking forward to continuing the work that we’ve already started to make the 2021 racing season a great one for the horsemen and for Arlington. We have an outstanding team in the office this year and I am flattered to have such quality people behind me.”

Part of that team is newly named Assistant Racing Secretary, Meagan Simpson. Simpson has earned the role with her eleven years of experience in the racing office. She has served as both Program and Stakes Coordinator along with numerous other duties. Simpson was raised in a racing family. Her father, Herschel Davis, worked at Chicago area racetracks for many years, and her mother, Liane Davis, and twin brother, Chris Davis, are both trainers.

“Meagan brings a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of horse racing and has the energy and enthusiasm that will add excitement to the office,” said Petrillo. “She has worked her way up through the ranks of racing and her expertise, coupled with David’s depth of knowledge and experience gives Arlington leadership that will be respected and appreciated by horsemen.”

Arlington’s Opening Day is scheduled for April 30, 2021.

Feeling stuck in the gate? Don’t worry! An announcement of Arlington’s 2021 ticket sale dates will be made on March 15th. General capacity restrictions, seating, and ticketing layouts will follow the Illinois Department of Commerce’s outdoor seated spectator events guidelines. Due to restrictions, there will be no live music, family day activities, or carry-in items/outside food and beverage – this season is all about #HistoryandHorses.!!

Earlier today, the Illinois Racing Board awarded Arlington International Racecourse with race dates for 2021. The schedule consists of 68 live race days in the spring and summer, with opening weekend featuring the Kentucky Oaks (April 30, 2021) and the Kentucky Derby (May 1, 2021), and will conclude on Saturday, September 25, 2021.  The schedule includes racing and entertainment on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and the return of the July Fourth Independence Day celebration and the Festival of Racing.

Arlington International Racecourse President, Tony Petrillo, is enthusiastic about continuing Arlington’s traditions in 2021.  “This will be our 94th year of operation and Arlington remains committed to fans, guests, bettors, horsemen/horsewomen, and the community. We look forward to showcasing the renowned Arlington Experience in 2021, featuring our beautiful facility and providing race fans with the opportunity to wager on quality races along with a slate of graded stakes races.”

The meet will host many of the graded stakes races that were placed on hiatus in 2020 and will feature a festival of stakes races for Illinois horses, featuring the Bruce D. Stakes, Beverly D. Stakes, and the newly renamed Arlington Million: “Mister D. Stakes”.

Racing for the 2020 season continues Thursday through Saturday now until September 26.

An approved plan to allow a limited number of spectators into the outdoor areas of the facility on race days in September went on-sale today at 12pm.  Within thirty minutes, tickets for Derby Day, this Saturday September 5, were sold out; Kentucky Oaks Day (Friday, September 4) and the three other Saturday race dates sold out within an hour.  Some tickets remain available for Thursdays and Fridays through September 25, which can be purchased online at www.arlingtonpark.com/tickets.

Tony Petrillo, Arlington International Racecourse President, is happy to be able to open the facility to fans of the track.  “We’re very pleased with the velocity in ticket sales.  Our motivation and inspiration to open to spectators came from the voices of our loyal guests and the community.  We are very grateful for the support and assistance of local and State health officials to get to this point.  Much of our operation has changed, but the beauty, ambiance, and service of the “Arlington Experience” remains at the same level of quality as everyone has known.”

Limited spectators (300 or less) are permitted to enjoy live racing Thursdays-Saturdays September 3 through September 26 in outdoor seating options.  Some changes in a visit to the track include that all tickets must be pre-purchased online at least 24 hours in advance and are limited to adults 18 and older, children seventeen and under will not be permitted access to the facility. All guests must wear a mask at all times unless they are consuming food or beverage in their seat.  Staggered entry and arrival times will be issued to each set of ticket holders to limit queuing lines and to assist patrons in maintaining social distancing as they enter the facility.  No coolers or outdoor food and beverage will be allowed.  The full set of health and safety guidelines and facility restrictions can be viewed on Arlington’s website.

All inquiries in regards to tickets, seating options, and pricing will only be available online on www.arlingtonpark.com.

Beginning Thursday, September 3, Arlington is able to host limited spectators on-site.  Despite this, it does not change the “non-essential” designation of an owner as under the Department of Agriculture’s COVID-19 protocols that were approved by the Governor’s office, that dictate no access to the Paddock or Winner’s Circle.  However, currently under Arlington’s approved plan for spectators, there are two options for an owner attending the races.

First, owners can choose to purchase tickets along with spectators beginning Tuesday, September 1 at 12pm OR, as a free option, under the spectator plan on a limited basis, up to three owners licensed by the Illinois Racing Board with an ownership interest of a horse participating in a race can register for the RACE-N-GO option.  Separate owner registrations per horse will not be accepted; one owner will register him or herself and up to two others.  To take advantage of this option, owners must reserve their viewing spot by registering online. Spots must be reserved by 5 pm the day prior to race day.

To gain entry to the facility on race day, owners who have registered online will have their name placed on a facility access list, which will be present at the information booth at the West Marquee entrance admission gate. All attendees should enter through the Euclid Ave. gate and park in Lot B.  Owners will need their 2020 owner’s license issued by the Illinois Racing Board.  Upon registration, each owner will have access to a designated area solely for owners on the second floor of the grandstand seating.  A saddle towel indicating your horse’s post position will mark each owner’s seat.

These special accommodations are conditioned upon each owner complying with and observing the following:

• All owners must make reservations online.
• Individuals entering the facility must have in their possession a valid 2020 owner’s license issued by the Illinois Racing Board.
• Enter from the Euclid Ave. entrance and park in Lot B.
• Enter the West Marquee entrance admission gate and check-in at the information desk immediately inside the entrance.
• Wear a wristband indicating access to the viewing area.
• The viewing area is outdoors on the second floor of the grandstand via an exterior staircase.  Each viewing section is marked with a saddle towel.  Owners should proceed to the saddle towel of the post position of their horse.  The exit is separate from the entrance and located at the end of the last saddle towel.  Both the entrance and exits are marked accordingly.
• Seating is available for 15 minutes prior to post until the race is official, after which time, owners should exit the facility.

Cooperation in adhering to these guidelines and procedures is necessary to continue with this RACE & GO viewing program.

Q: What are the new policies in 2021 at Arlington?
A: All guests should review our park policies page before thier visit. 2021 Policies

Q: When am I required to wear my mask?
A: Any individual aged two and older and able to medically tolerate a mask shall be required to wear a mask when indoors in a public place, regardless of vaccination status.Mask refers to a complete and tight knit fabric or cloth, or medical mask that is appropriately sized for the individual’s face to snuggly cover the nasal openings and mouth without the necessity of being held in place by the individual’s hands. Masks may be removed at restaurants, bars and other eating/drinking establishments by patrons when they are actively eating/drinking while stationary.

Q: When do tickets go on-sale?
A: Tickets will be available for ONLINE purchase only in 2021. Ticket sale schedule is as follows:

April 30th – May 29th: On Sale April 15th at noon

June 3rd – June 26th: June On Sale May 12th at noon

July 2nd – July 31st: On Sale June 9th at noon

August 1st – August 28th: On Sale July 7th at noon

September 4th – September 25th: On Sale August 11th at noon

Premium Days will not be sold in advance of the sale release dates above.

Q: I’m having trouble logging onto my ticketing account, what do I do?
A: If you are having trouble logging onto your account please try resetting your password. If you have never purchased tickets online, but have placed an order over the phone and your email is on file and the system may recognize you as having an account. In this instance you will need to reset your password in order to login.

Q: Can I buy tickets day of?
A: Based on availability day of tickets can be purchased on-line from your PC, Laptop or on your mobile device.

Q: Can I buy tickets at the Box Office or pick up tickets at Will Call?
A: There is not a Box Office or Will Call as such there is no onsite ticketing services. All tickets are digital and can be purchased on our website.

Q: How do I get and show my ticket once it is purchased?
A: All tickets will be available through your online ticket account. No tickets will be emailed or printed, only mobile tickets located in your tickets.com account will be accepted. 

Q: How do I get a refund for a ticket purchased?
A: Guests are responsible for reviewing all Park Policies, venue and seat information prior to purchasing tickets. All sales are final and there will be no refunds or exchanges. Racing rain or shine.

Q: Can my child come?
A: Yes. There is no charge for children 3 and under who do not require a seat. Children older than 3 require an Adult ticket.

Q: What can I bring with me?
A: Each guest can bring one personal item (ex. a purse).  No food and beverage is permitted.

Q: Where do I park and enter?
A: All guests must enter at Euclid Ave and proceed to Lot A or B (preferred parking free) which is adjacent to the Clubhouse Entrance. Pre-purchased Premium Parking is available at the Clubhouse Entrance Lot. There will be no valet parking in 2021. All must guests must enter through the Clubhouse Admission Gate. The Grandstand Admission Gate will be closed in 2021.

Q: Will parking lot shuttle service be available?
A: Due to COVID-19 protocols parking lot shuttle service will not be provided in 2021.

Q: Can I tailgate in the parking lot?
A: No, tailgating is not permitted.

Q: Where is handicap parking and drop off areas? Will there be wheelchair service?
A: There will be an appropriate number of parking spaces designated for guests with vehicles that display the handicapped credential.  Guests can also be dropped off near the Clubhouse Entrance for easy access to the facility. Due to COVID-19 protocols, there will be no wheelchair service from Arlington.

Q: When do gates open?
A: In order to reduce a one-time rush, there will be a tiered entry system. Guests must be at the Clubhouse Entrance within the designated time frame. No entry permitted after 3:30pm. Click here for Gate arrival time. GATES

Q: What can I go inside for?
A: Access to the building is open for the use of restrooms, wagering and purchasing Grab N’ Go food and beverage. There should be no congregating indoors with the exception of indoor venues.

Q: Can I see the horses in the Paddock?
A: Starting June 11th guest will have full access to the viewing areas in the Paddock. 

Q: Are there any indoor dining options available?
A: The Million Room and Turf Club are available for indoor full service dinning and the Governor’s Room will be available for indoor viewing but is subject to concession style food and beverage service on non-premium days. On the Apron Cobey’s Food Court, Superfecta Grille and indoor seating at Mr. D’s Sports Bar will be available. Pre-purchased tickets are required for these venues. The Cowboy Grille will be closed in the 2021 race season.

Q: Is the Terrace Cafe functioning as a full service restaurant in 2021?
A: The Terrace Café will have table service in 2021. The Terrace Annex will not have table service, however walk up concessions are available throughout the Apron level.

Q: Will there be any special events?
A: There will be no live music, family days, or promotional events in 2021.

Q: How do I make my wagers?
A: Live mutuel clerks will be limited.  Wagers should be made through the self-service, cash accepting machines.  Skip the line and stay in your saddle by wagering on FastBet Mobile or Twinspires.com on your mobile device.