Still holding out hope

While in my early 20s, I had the good fortune of being in attendance at Arlington for Secretariat's race in September of 1973. It was the year that he won the Triple Crown.

I was with my folks on that beautiful fall day, of which it was such an electric feeling among the full capacity crowd. I just loved every minute of it!

The excitement surrounding thoroughbred racing and the challenge of picking a winner was so appealing to me. In following years, My dad and I continued attending the races at Arlington Park. We were both great fans of thoroughbred racing, and it was a fun time for the both of us to be together and enjoy.

My father passed more than 20 years ago, but I have continued to go to Arlington and have been an avid fan up to the present. For the last five years, I have participated in racehorse ownership with others in a small group.

To think that Arlington, racing palace that it is, will not continue its racing tradition is quite upsetting. Until the wrecking ball brings down the grand stand I still hold out hope that there will be a way that racing can continue there.

I know there is a lot of maneuvering going on now behind the scenes for final plans. The anticipation as expressed by horsemen, trainers, fans, workers within the industry, breeding community, etc. is certainly in evidence now. The wait-and-see scenario has been something we have been accustomed to for the past few decades. So why should the feeling be any different today. Stay tuned.

George Harig

Arlington Heights