Churchill Downs donates Arlington statue to racing museum
Churchill Downs Inc. will donate Against All Odds, an inspiring bronze statue by Edwin Bogucki, to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as part of the museum’s permanent collection. The statue will be unveiled at its new home in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., next Wednesday.
Against All Odds depicts the thrilling photo-finish victory of hall of fame horse John Henry with hall of fame jockey William Shoemaker in the irons as they ran down The Bart in the shadow of the wire in the running of the inaugural Arlington Million on Aug. 30, 1981, the first Thoroughbred race to boast a purse of $1 million.
Under the guidance of hall of fame trainer Ron McAnally, John Henry captured a second Arlington Million as a 9-year-old in 1984 and was selected as horse of the year after both victories. The statue originally was unveiled in 1989 at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Ill.
“It is a great honor to make this gift to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in memory of the late Richard Duchossois, where it will be prominently displayed and enjoyed by racing fans for many years to come,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Much like Mr. Duchossois, Against All Odds represents perseverance. May it serve as an inspiration to horses and humans alike that with courage and determination, what seems impossible can be achieved.”
“We are most grateful to Bill Carstanjen and everyone at Churchill Downs Incorporated for the generous donation of the Against All Odds statue to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.” said John Hendrickson, chairman of the museum. “This incredible work of art represents so many iconic elements of racing history — the inaugural Arlington Million, Hall of Famers John Henry and Bill Shoemaker, and the legacy of Richard Duchossois, a true pillar of the turf. We are honored to accept this wonderful addition to our collection and showcase it prominently on the Museum grounds, where it will have a forever home.”
