Arlington racing at a glance: What you need to know
As Arlington International Racecourse opens another season of thoroughbred racing, here's what fans should know:
Opening day: Live racing and entertainment returns on Friday with a 3:15 p.m. first post. Gates open at 2 p.m. The season closes on Sept. 26.
Opening day perks: First 1,000 fans will receive a free Arlington baseball cap and hot dog. General Admission is free via online at ArlingtonPark.com or $10 at the gate.
Kentucky Derby Day: On Saturday, Arlington breaks out the red carpet in the Derby Party Zone, with a hat contest and prizes for win, place and show. Mint julep specials and live racing. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. for general admission, with $1:20 p.m. first post. Admission: $18 for adults, $5 for children.
Sunday specials: Every Sunday from Memorial Day-weekend to Labor Day is dedicated to children as Arlington Family Days return with a petting zoo, pony rides, and more activities in the Junior Jockey Zone. After each race, the winning jockey will sign and give away two pairs of goggles to kids at the winner's circle. Kids can enter the Design Your Own Silks contest for the chance to have their design worn in a race at Arlington at the end of the season.
Special dates:• Illinois State Fair Family Day on May 27 is the first of four themed days that fall on the last Sunday of the month featuring food specials, live music, roaming entertainment and amusement rides.
• College Day: Free admission for college students on Friday, May 25 with a 3:15 p.m. first post.
• Binny's Taste at the Track will showcase wines from around the world, specialty beers and cocktails on June 2 and Sept. 8.
• Family movie night with a free movie shown in the Arlington Paddock after the day's racing at 7:30 p.m. on July 12 ("Moana"), July 19 ("Secret Life of Pets") and July 26 ("Wonder").
• Ride to the Million on July 7 features four Grade III races offering the top-three finishers automatic entry to the International Festival of Racing including the 36th running of the Grade I Arlington Million on Aug. 11. The Ride to the Million will also feature the 5th Annual Arlington Food Truck Festival with 25 of popular food trucks from around Chicago area.
Ticket information: Fans may purchase tickets at arlingtonpark.com/visit/events-and-promotions.
Arlington's stakes schedule
May 12: Hanshin Cup (GIII) - $100,000 Guaranteed
May 19: Arlington Matron (GIII) - $100,000 Guaranteed
May 26: Arlington Classic (GIII) - $100,000 Guaranteed
June 2: Addison Cammack Memorial Handicap - **$75,000
June 2 Isaac Murphy Handicap - **$75,000
June 9: Black Tie Affair Handicap - **$75,000
June 9: Mike Spellman Memorial Handicap - **$75,000
June 16: Purple Violet Stakes - **$75,000
June 16: Springfield Stakes - **$75,000
June 23: Chicago Handicap (GIII) - $100,000 Guaranteed
Million Preview DayJuly 7: America's Derby (GIII) - $100,000 guaranteed
July 7: Hatoof Stakes - $100,000 guaranteed
July 7: Arlington Handicap (GIII) - $100,000 guaranteed
July 7: Modesty Handicap (GIII) - $100,000 guaranteed
July 7: Stars and Stripes (GIII) - $100,000 guaranteed
Arlington International Festival of RacingAug. 11: Bruce D. Memorial Stakes - $100,000 guaranteed
Aug. 11: Pucker Up Stakes (GIII) - $100,000 guaranteed
Aug. 11: Secretariat Stakes (GI) - $400,000 guaranteed
Aug. 11: Beverly D. (GI) - $600,000 guaranteed
Aug. 11: Arlington Million XXXVI (GI) - $1,000,000 guaranteed
Sept. 8: Arlington-Washington Futurity - $75,000 Guaranteed
Sept. 8: Arlington-Washington Lassie - $75,000 Guaranteed
Source: arlingtonpark.com