When some of the best turf horses in the world break from the Arlington Park gate on August 17, 2013, they’ll be racing for more than a share of the $1 million purse – they’ll also be vying for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships BC Turf race on November 2, 2013, at Santa Anita. Since 2007, the Grade I Arlington Million has been designated a “Win and You’re In” race, with the victor automatically qualifying for a spot in the $3 million Turf.
Little Mike takes Million, BC Turf victories
As proof of the quality of the Arlington Million, as a stepping-stone to the Breeders’ Cup Turf, it was just last year that winner Little Mike went on to claim the BC Turf at Santa Anita. Going off as a 17-1 longshot, Little Mike gained the lead at the top of the stretch and then held off a hard charging favorite, Point of Entry, in one of the most thrilling races of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup. The win in the 2012 Arlington Million was the second for jockey, Ramon Dominguez.
John Henry an Arlington Million star
First run in 1981, the Arlington Million was the first thoroughbred race to offer a $1 million purse (with 60 per cent going to the winner) and was designated a Grade I stakes race the following year. The race record for the 1 ¼ miles is 1:58.3, set by Awad in 1995. John Henry is the only horse to have won the race twice, in 1981 and again in 1984. Powerscourt crossed the line first in 2004 but was disqualified and placed fourth - he came back to win the following year.
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