Fun Facts About the Arlington Million

The Arlington Million is the highlight of the Arlington International Festival of Racing on Saturday. The race is important because it offers a hefty purse and a spot in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The Arlington Million was the first Thoroughbred race to have a purse of $1 million or more when it was inaugurated in 1981.

Estrapade won the Arlington Million by a record five lengths in 1986.

The Million attracts international runners. Since its inception, 141 competitors represented nine countries outside the U.S. 12 of them took home first prize in the race.

No jockey has won the Arlington Million more than twice. Six jockeys are tied with two wins each.

The 1985 Million is known as the "Miracle Million" because a fire destroyed the grandstand just 25 days before the race. 35,651 fans watched the show from tents and temporary facilities.

Post No. 7 has the highest win rate in the race at 23.5 percent. Post No 1 is close behind with more than 20 percent winners from starters.

John Henry won the first edition of the Arlington Million in 1981. He became the oldest winner when he won as a 9-year-old in 1984.

In the last 15 years, three Arlington Million runners-up were declared the winners after the first-place finishers were disqualified for interference.

Mill Native paid a record high $83.20 for a $2 win bet in 1988. Beat Hollow was the lowest-priced winner, paying $3.40 in 2002.

Fun Facts About the Arlington Million: Twenty-six Eclipse Awards have been won by 19 horses that ran in the Million.

The 1988 Arlington Million was run at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada. It was the first time a major stakes race was moved to another country.