“Disappointed by the Demise”: As $200,000,000 Sale Leads to Auctioning of Arlington Park, Equestrian Community Comes Together to Reminisce

Six months sufficed to liquidate Arlington Park’s assets, but eradicating its history and cherished memories proves a far greater challenge. On October 13, 1927, despite adverse conditions, a crowd of 20,000 witnessed the inaugural thoroughbred equestrian event at the Park. Jockey Joe Bollero steering Luxembourg to triumph. The grandstand that echoed with roaring fans now succumbs to a relentless wrecking ball. 

Sadly, Arlington’s nearly century-old legacy nears a somber end. The new owners plan to demolish the structure, perhaps even selling the remnants as mementos. Yet, they cannot erase Dick Duchossois’s vision of a palatial facility for first-class racing near Chicago. His unwavering ambition and passion birthed a dream that turned into a legacy. 

Arlington Park’s closure marks the end of an era in equestrian racing

“Disappointed by the Demise,” Pat Day, Arlington Park’s second-leading rider, expresses his wistfulness as the track closes its doors. Reflecting on his time there, he considers it one of the finest racing facilities he had the pleasure of riding at. According to Paulick Report, despite efforts to save the storied racetrack, they proved unsuccessful. Leonard and Bernice Lavin’s Glen Hill Farm, known for their distinctive VO5-colored silks, achieved success at Arlington, with notable stakes wins dating back to 1969.

However, in 2013, their grandson Craig Bernick departed due to poor purses and a management focus primarily on the Arlington Million. Retired jockey Randy Meier, who reached milestones of 4,000 and 3,500 wins at Arlington, searches for his congratulatory signs within the now-empty jockeys’ room. He retrieves them, reaching out to former competitors, but finds no takers. The signs now belong to strangers who obtained them without enduring any broken bones, a stark contrast to Meier’s journey. Frankie Lovato Jr., Equicizer former Arlington jockey, also spent $3,250. He bought the Kawai baby grand piano from Mr. Duchossois’ penthouse.

As Arlington Park’s legacy fades, its treasures find new homes

Lovato had a tough time deciding where to spend his money but settled on his lifelong dream. Arlington’s quarter pole, sold for $950, now stands at the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association trailer in Hawthorne, the only surviving racetrack in Chicagoland. Items from the Grafe auctions hit the secondary market, including Arlington trash cans available on eBay for $35 instead of their original price of $50.

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Jockey room scales have resale value, as seen with one purchased for $70 at the Arlington auction now listed for $5,000 on eBay. The remaining assets of Arlington Park were sold by Grafe Auction Company, including executive office contents and washroom sinks. Tony Petrillo, the last Arlington executive, symbolically turned off the lights, signifying the end. The fate of the iconic bronze statue “Against All Odds” remains uncertain, with potential destinations including the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, or Colonial Downs in Virginia.

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