CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Arlington International Racecourse released Thursday its race schedule for what may be the final season at the nearly 100-year-old track.
Nearly 100 trainers and hundreds of horses are arriving at Arlington this week for spring training ahead of opening day on April 30.
The park has released an 18-race stakes schedule worth $2.75 million over the course of a 68-day race meet, with three Grade I races that carry the names of Arlington Chairman Emeritus Richard Duchossois and his family.
Those marquee races will take place Saturday, Aug. 14, on what was long known as Million Day, but there won't be a $1 million purse in any single race.
Formerly known as the Arlington Million, the 1¼ mile race has been rebranded to become the Mister D with a $600,000 purse. It will be preceded by the Beverly D. at 1 3/16 miles for fillies and mares, with a $400,000 purse. The race formerly known as the Secretariat is the Bruce D. at 1 mile for 3-year-olds, worth $300,000, according to the Daily Herald.
"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," Arlington President Tony Petrillo said in a news release. "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."
The owner of the track, Churchill Downs, announced earlier this year it was putting the 94-year-old track up for sale.
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