By far, the best track

I'm 70 years old. We started taking my now-31-year-old daughter Amanda to Arlington when she was about 3 years old. We went for the Sunday Family Days. Once she was married, I was able to meet up with her family, which included my two grandsons (there are now three) at Arlington on numerous occasions. Great memories!

I've had numerous ownership interests with the Faber brothers, of Dare To Dream Stables. For me, Arlington was great to go to and meet up with them for the early morning breezes (workouts) for our horses. Of all the race tracks I've been to, Arlington was by far the best for racing. I've met a lot of great people through horse racing, in many states, and have kept a lot of those friendships that go back to 2012.

I was there for Pizza Man's 2015 Million win with Florent Geroux "in the irons." A grand moment in Illinois horse racing history! One of his halters is a prized piece of my sports memorabilia.

I was fortunate enough to make it this year for the last "Million Day" even though there was not a Million Race. My girlfriend Clara and I made it to the final closing day in September. A sad day it was. Took some photos of the paddock area and the track as the sun was beginning its descent in the west. That provided a glow to the spire of the paddock and buildings. We had a final drink with Jacques, Arlington's greatest bartender forever, at the Finish Line Bar where friends would meet.

It's a shame the still current owners chose to abandon horse racing in the state of Illinois. Thanks for the memories. Until we will meet again?

And thanks for allowing me this space to tell my short story.

John Fisch

Glen Ellyn