Arlington Park will host its last races of 2021 — and perhaps forever — on Saturday. Except for a postrace fireworks show and historical videos in-between races, there are no special ceremonies scheduled to mark the closing.
At 6:12 p.m. Saturday, a field of a dozen horses will enter the starting gates for quite possibly the final time at Illinois’ grand racing palace.
The name of the race for fillies and mares 3 years and older?
Luxembourg, in tribute to the equine who won the inaugural race at Arlington Park on Oct. 13, 1927.
Once the horses cross the finish line of the 5½-furlong turf course race Saturday evening — the ninth on the card that day — there’s sure to be pictures in the winner’s circle with the winning horse, jockey, trainer and owner.
But track management isn’t planning any special ceremonies or commemorations on the final day — save for a 7:45 p.m. fireworks show and a few historical videos on TV screens in between races — despite discussions earlier this year with village officials to do something bigger.
“Really, it’s just to go out with grace,” said Arlington Park President Tony Petrillo, during a brief interview Thursday afternoon after an Illinois Racing Board meeting. “Our focus is on the experience that we have to deliver to people.”
“The chapter to this book is still to be written,” Petrillo added.
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