Arlington Reopens Amid Fanfare

Arlington International Racecourse reopened Sunday after a two-year shutdown, resuming thoroughbred racing for a 103-day run after increasing purses and spending nearly $10 million for renovations.

It was Mother’s Day and roses were handed out to the first 10,000 moms. Gov. George Ryan headed the list of politicians and other dignitaries on hand. The track’s row of executive suites, reserved seats and reservations for its restaurants were sold out.

“So many of our supporters came out today. I couldn’t be happier,” track owner Richard L. Duchossois said. “We are hoping for a wonderful future for racing.”

The crowd of 35,273 was off the opening-day attendance record of 40,483 in 1992 when it was also Mother’s Day.

The reopening is a boon for local trainers and jockeys who have been racing at Sportsman’s Park and Hawthorne Racecourse, nearby tracks in the Chicago area which aren’t in the same league as Arlington.

“It’s great to be back. It’s been more than two years and I’ve missed Arlington a lot,” Chicago trainer Mickey Goldfine said.

It was a big day for jockey Mark Guidry, who posted consecutive victories 2 1/2 years apart. He won the track’s last race on Oct. 10, 1997, aboard Kark’s Ark, and the first race Sunday on Fire and Ice.

“Hopefully, this one will be the first of many this summer,” said Guidry, who rode two other winners Sunday.

There were many women and children in the crowd as Arlington tries to make itself friendly to families on the weekend.

“I love everything here--the horses, the clubhouse, the flowers,” said Louise Frawley of Arlington Heights. “My only complaint is it’s too crowded.”

Arlington shut down two years ago, citing unfair competition from riverboat casinos in the region. But a deal was worked out with other racing interests, lawmakers and casino operators to make thoroughbred racing more competitive with the riverboats--even giving it a big slice of profits from a new casino targeted for Rosemont.

The track also overcame a last-minute threat of a strike from pari-mutuel clerks when a contract settlement was reached Wednesday.

Now, the question is how to keep the fans coming back.

“That’s a million-dollar question. But we have got to keep up the excitement and keep them happy,” Duchossois said.