The start of the $50,000 Stars and Stripes Handicap, July 5th 1943.
Daily Herald File Photo
Arlington International Racecourse was founded as Arlington Park by California businessman Harry D. “Curly” Brown. The track officially opened Oct. 13, 1927, to 20,000 spectators. Jockey Joe Bollero, who later became a successful trainer, rode Luxembourg to victory in the first race ever run at Arlington Park.
The pictures in this gallery are all Daily Herald staff generated going as far back as the 1930s and '40s. They depict the track during simpler times, when horse racing was in its heyday right up to the time when the track was destroyed by fire in 1985 and eventually rebuilt.
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Down the home stretch at Arlington Park in May 1981.
Daily Herald File Photo
Birds eye view of Arlington Park on opening day 1969.
Daily Herald File Photo
A packed Arlington Park parking lot from 1940.
Daily Herald File Photo
People gather in the Arlington Park paddock area in the 1930s.
Daily Herald File Photo
An early photo of the tote board at Arlington Park.
Daily Herald File Photo
Winners Circle scene from 1948 at Arlington Park.
Daily Herald File Photo
Workers in the back stretch, 1940s.
Daily Herald File Photo
A quiet day at the racetrack, June 1, 1982.
Daily Herald File Photo
Workers drag the main stretch at Arlington Park, 1940s.
Daily Herald File Photo
Early harness racing at Arlington Park.
Daily Herald File Photo
The Arlington Park train station, January 13, 1972.
Daily Herald File Photo
Horse owners and trainers wait to board bus to meet with Illinois Racing Board, August 2, 1985.
Stalls being "mucked out" at Arlington Park, June 4, 1989.
Daily Herald File Photo
Pointing to a proposed cultural and performing arts center at the heart of the Arlington Park property, developer John Kramer describes the $625 million project that owner Richard Duchossois plans for the site where the fire-devastated track once stood. May 30, 1986.
Daily Herald File Photo
Joe Kelly jazzes up the Arlington Park scene with his live bugle music before the opening race on July 31, 1984.
Daily Herald File Photo
As its first season ends, patrons say they are still enamored of the gleaming new Arlington International Racecourse. Racing fans already are looking toward next summer. October 15, 1989.
Daily Herald File Photo