Key Points
- Arlington Million: historic North American turf race; first Thoroughbred race on the continent with a $1 million purse; traditionally 1¼ miles on turf.
- First run in 1981; gained international attention when John Henry beat The Bart in a photo finish; notable winners include Manila, Awad, Bricks and Mortar.
- Arlington Park’s 2021 closure disrupted the race; it moved to Churchill Downs for one year, then to Colonial Downs in 2023 as its new long-term home.
- At Colonial Downs, the Arlington Million remains 1¼ miles on turf; the expansive course suits the race and strengthens Colonial Downs’ summer turf profile.
- The race is a key summer target for older turf horses pursuing year-end honors or Breeders’ Cup Turf prep; it offers a rare midsummer classic-distance meeting.
- Colonial Downs hosts it within the Festival of Racing alongside the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes; to track major turf races and results, follow Colonial Downs, Saratoga, and Monmouth Park.
What is the Arlington Million?
The Arlington Million is a historic turf race originally run at Arlington Park in Illinois and famous for being the first thoroughbred race in North America to offer a $1 million purse. Traditionally contested at 1¼ miles on turf, the race attracted elite horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the world.
Following the closure of Arlington Park in 2021, the Arlington Million was first moved to Churchill Downs, but in 2023, the race found a new and more permanent home at Colonial Downs in Virginia. Today, it remains one of the top turf events of the summer, carrying on its tradition at a new venue.
A Brief History
The Arlington Million was first run in 1981 and immediately gained international attention when John Henry famously edged The Bart in a dramatic photo finish. Over the years, the race became a landmark event for turf specialists, with winners like Manila, Bricks and Mortar, and Awad.
When Arlington Park closed, the future of the race was uncertain. After a brief one-year relocation to Churchill Downs, Colonial Downs stepped in to host the event starting in 2023 as part of its growing Festival of Racing, which also includes the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes.
The Arlington Million at Colonial Downs
Colonial Downs offers a wide, expansive turf course that suits the nature of the Arlington Million perfectly. The race is still run at 1¼ miles and retains its prestige, attracting top-level older horses from across North America and beyond.
The move to Colonial Downs also helped solidify the track’s reputation as a major summer turf venue, adding the Arlington Million to its roster of headline events.
Importance in the Racing Calendar
The Arlington Million continues to serve as a critical summer target for older turf horses aiming for year-end honors or prepping for bigger stages like the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
It remains a rare opportunity to see top-class turf horses meet at a classic distance during the heart of the summer season.
Final Thoughts
Even though its original home is gone, the Arlington Million continues to thrive, offering a major prize, elite competition, and a connection to one of American turf racing’s most innovative traditions. Now firmly established at Colonial Downs, the race’s legacy moves forward for a new generation of fans and horseplayers.
To keep up with major turf races and results across the country, visit the EquinEdge Results page and track action from Colonial Downs, Saratoga, and Monmouth Park.
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FAQs
Why is it called the Arlington Million?
The race became famous as the first thoroughbred race in North America to offer a $1 million purse. That milestone helped make it a landmark event in American racing.Where is the Arlington Million run today?
It is now run at Colonial Downs in Virginia. The race moved there in 2023 after Arlington Park closed in 2021 and a one-year stop at Churchill Downs.Has the race changed distance or surface since moving?
No. It is still contested at 1¼ miles on turf.What led to the Arlington Million leaving Arlington Park?
The move happened because Arlington Park closed in 2021. That left the race without its original home and led to its relocation.What kind of horses usually compete in the Arlington Million?
The race attracts top-level older turf horses from North America and beyond. It remains a major summer target for elite turf runners.How does the Arlington Million fit into the broader racing season?
It serves as an important summer race for horses aiming at year-end honors or bigger events like the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Its timing and classic distance make it a meaningful measuring stick.What other notable races are part of the same Colonial Downs racing festival?
Colonial Downs hosts it as part of its Festival of Racing, which also includes the Beverly D. and Secretariat Stakes. That helps position the race within a larger summer turf showcase.What made the first running of the Arlington Million so memorable?
The inaugural race in 1981 drew immediate international attention when John Henry narrowly beat The Bart in a dramatic photo finish. That ending helped establish the event’s prestige right away.