Event Schedule
Monday, August 8
o No live racing
o Jockey Charity Event: "Partner for Progress" at Pine Grove Equestrian Center in Mundelein, Ill. - 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
o Horseplayernow.com Night School: Handicapping European Horses - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9
o No live racing
o Post Position Draw for Arlington Million, Beverly D. & Secretariat Stakes - Noon at WGN-TV studios, 2501 W. Bradley Place, Chicago. Invitation only.
Wednesday, August 10
o No live racing
o Downtown Media event to be announced
Thursday, August 11 - 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. 11 from 11:45 a.m. until the last race in the International Room at Arlington Park. HRTV's Amy Zimmerman will receive the 2011 Penny Chenery Distinguished Woman in Racing Award and Janice Campbell has been named the 2011 Illinois Horsewoman of the Year for her dedication to the sport of racing in Illinois. Arlington Park's Howard Sudberry will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
Friday, August 12 - Breakfast at Arlington; "Dining with the Dynasty"
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 8am - 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).
o You can secure a spot on our popular backstretch tour in advance with the purchase of a special VIP Backstretch Tour and Breakfast Package, limited to the first 40 guests to purchase tickets online. (Online only. No sign up will be available on-site.) The VIP package is available for purchase online and costs $25 for adults and children. Those selecting this option will be purchasing unlimited breakfast buffet for one and one guaranteed spot on our backstretch tour which immediately follows the formal breakfast program, departing from the Grandstand Entrance at either 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. As part of the VIP Backstretch Tour you'll meet the horses up close during a barn visit as a trainer highlights the unique personalities of the amazing horses that race at Arlington Park. Then stop by the Racing Office to learn how a racing card is put together and get a rare behind-the-scenes look at the jockeys' quarters and the silks room.
o Gates open at 11:15 a.m.
o Post time - 3:00 p.m.
o Party in the Park - Live Music by "How Far to Austin"
o Imagine the chance to speak with legendary jockey Ron Turcotte about riding the great Secretariat to a 31 length victory in the Belmont Stakes to complete the Triple Crown. Or hear Jean Cruguet describe his experience riding Seattle Slew to the Triple Crown in 1977.
Jockeys that have been involved in some of the biggest moments in the history of thoroughbred horse racing will be together in one room, and this is your chance to join them.
This is a ticketed charity event that brings Legendary Jockeys from all over the country to raise funds to benefit two national organizations dedicated to serving the athletes and workers that support the sport.
Ticketholders spend an afternoon in Mr. D's Sports Bar with the legendary and Hall of Fame jockeys such as Walter Blum, Bill Boland, Patty Cooksey, Angel Cordero, Jean Cruguet, Pat Day, David Erb, Earlie Fires, Jackie Fires, Mark Guidry, Sandy Hawley, Chris McCarron, Laffit Pincay, Randy Romero, John Rotz, Ray Sibille, Ron Turcotte. The jockeys will share stories, reminisce about racing experiences and will autograph your racing memorabilia. Arlington Park's Howard Sudberry, the veteran Chicago sportscaster will host the event and interview the all-time great jockeys as they tell wonderful stories about their experiences riding some of the most famous horses in racing history.
After hearing all of their wonderful stories, there is another unique opportunity for those who appreciate the rich history of racing. Five of the legendary jockeys, including 72 year old Jean Cruguet, Patty Cooksey, Earlie Fires, Mark Guidry & Chris McCarron will ride in a jockey challenge race against five of Arlington Park's top jockeys.
Be sure to be one of the first 100 to purchase tickets to get the chance to go in the paddock as these legendary jockeys get a "leg up" for their challenge race.
Tickets are $99 on-line if purchased on or before August 5th, $119 at the box office up until the day of the event or until the event is sold out. After August 5th ticket are $119 on-line or at the box office. The event is limited to the first 200 purchasers.
Tickets include food and beverage, private autograph session, live Q&A show and incredible prizes.
o Jockey Challenge Race pitting Arlington Park's top five jockeys against five legendary riders - Jean Cruguet, Earlie Fires, Mark Guidry, Chris McCarron and Patti Cooksey - who are coming out of retirement for this one pari-mutuel race.
o "The Arlington Million Charity Gala" at the The Renaissance Hotel (Details to follow)
o Horseplayernow.com Arlington Million Handicapping Seminar 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 13 - Arlington Million and International Festival of Racing
o Gates open at 10 a.m.
o "Jockey Legends" autograph signing 10:30 a.m. until Noon
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 Opening ceremonies to feature a performance by "Million Dollar Quartet" at 2 p.m.
o Racetrack Chaplaincy of America silent auction on the Apron: 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
o Ladies Fashion Hat Contest
o Milliners will be on hand in the Clubhouse and near the Gift Shop on the Apron Level
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 29th 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, and the Grade I $400,000 Secretariat Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile and a quarter on the turf.
o Miller Lite Taste of Summer in the Park area featuring live music by Mike & Joe
o Stick around after the races for the Post-Million Karaoke Party in Mr. D's Sports Bar with proceeds going to the Permanently Disabled Jockey's Fund
Sunday, August 14 - 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 GameWorks
General Information
Admission
o Thursday- $6; $4 seniors
o Friday and Sunday- $8
o General Admission Arlington Million Day Aug. 13 - $15
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