“10 Feet Away”: After Tireless Battle for Arlington Park, Equestrian Trainer Saddles First Graded Stakes Win

Horse training has been lifelong knowledge for Michael B. Campbell, a multiple graded stakes winning trainer. Campbell is the name that has been associated with the famous Arlington Park. He fought long and hard to prevent a famous horse race track’s closure. Arlington Park, which stood tall and proud as a horse track, is situated in Chicago, Illinois. The location was a well-known landmark that attracted many horse enthusiasts from around the globe. However, the equestrian world was shocked on February 15, 2023, when the Chicago Bears of the NFL completed their purchase of the property.

But Michael Campell has brought good news for all the equestrian enthusiasts. His unwavering dedication towards not just training the horses, but also saving the long legacy of the horse racing track is commendable. As has been told by him, there is always a chance to “rise from the ashes.”

Campbell Saddles His First Graded Stakes Winner

72-year-old Campbell has seen his share of highs and lows in all things horse related. However, he felt immense joy when he saddled his first graded stakes winner in almost 20 years on September 23. Speaking with Paulick Report, Campbell Joked, “I do find it unique that I am in barn 49, which is 10 feet away from Rice Road; I think that there might be a message there!” Campbell has trained the filly for a long time now.

Lady Radler, as the horse is named, is a three-year-old filly who has made sure to stand her mark. Trained by Campbell himself, Radler has raced for Graded Stakes Winning Owner, Mellon Patch. She has won a number of stakes races, including the Goldfinch S. and the recent G3 Dogwood Stakes in 2023.

But Campbell thinks Lady Radler can go above and beyond. Currently, he is helping her get ready for the next phase of the contest, Grade 2 Raven Run, which is scheduled on Saturday, October 21. However, this is only one of Campbell’s contributions to the equestrian world.

Campbell Will “Never Give Up”

Michael B. Campbell is one proud president of The Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. The association stands for improving the working conditions of thoroughbred horsemen, and being the voice of all horsemen involved in Illinois racing. Campbell, it looks like he has taken the mission too seriously. This time, he has some serious plans for the Arlington Park demolishment. As per reports, Campbell has declared that he is still interested in racing in Illinois. He thinks the prospect of a second thoroughbred track in the city is not out of the question.

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Speaking about the prospect of a new horse racing tract, Campbell said, “because of the market we’re in, I think it’s entirely sustainable. You need good facilities, cooperation from the horsemen’s groups, and you gotta believe in the spirit of the horse, the spirit of the people that are involved in this game. Nobody quits after they lose a race, so we shouldn’t quit after we lose a racetrack.”

Even if the chances of another thoroughbred track opening in Cook County, Illinois may be challenging, Campbell is ready to give his best. “It was always my distinct honor to try to contribute to racing in Illinois. I’m confident to say that there’s still interest to build something like Arlington in Cook County, and if the phoenix could rise from the ashes, we’d like to be a part of it. We will never give up.” Indeed, Campbell’s work would revolutionize the entire horse racing industry, paving the way for new miracles. 

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