One in a Million

The diversity of horse racing fans is on full display at boutique meets at Saratoga Race Course and Del Mar. Big events are popular in the U.S. and draw big crowds. I'm drawn to the big race with the large purse. Arlington Million was the first thoroughbred race in North America to offer a total purse of $1 million. The Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes didn't hit the $100,000 threshold until 1996, 1997 and 1998.

The inaugural Arlington Million was held in 1981. John Henry and his jockey Bill Shoemaker won the race. An estimated 50 million people watched the TV coverage. The Million attracted the public to the track. Three years later, the Breeders’ Cup was born. Today, there is a 37th edition of the Million taking place. Some of horse racing's most famous trainers have won it. The trainers are Charlie Whittingham, Ron McAnally, Chad Brown, Ramon Dominguez, Cash Asmussen, Jose Santos, Laffit Pincay, Jr., and Jerry Bailey.

Robert Bruce won the Arlington Million last year. He is trained by Brown. Bricks and Mortar is the other favorite. John Henry won it in 1984.

$75,000 Bruce D, 3-year olds, 1 mile, Tapeta, $100,00 Pucker Up, fillies and mares, and $500, 000 Secretariat, I mile. $600,0000 Beverly D (G1), 3 years and up, filly and foals, one mile and 1 ¼ miles, turf.