Iconic Arlington Statue Joins National Museum of Racing

Churchill Downs Inc. announced July 5 that they 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., on July 12.

“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 Stakes 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 ultimately selected as Horse of the Year following both victories. The statue was originally 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 Churchill Downs. “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 National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

“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.”

“Against All Odds” was long positioned in an elevated area surrounding the paddock at Arlington, which last hosted racing in September 2021. CDI sold the historic Arlington property to the Chicago Bears of the National Football League, and last month the Bears began external demolition of the facility.