Arlington Million Retrospective

Sun rises over Arlington Park as horses train on the main track. The Illinois oval is featured in Claire Novak's longform feature "Man Behind the Million," sponsored by Ramsey Farm -- Experience at www.bloodhorse.com/ArlingtonLongform

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

A fire destroyed the Arlington grandstand in 1985, but track chairman Richard Duchossois was determined to rebuild. In this Daily Herald photo, firemen work to put out the fire.

Photo: The Daily And Sunday Herald

Smoke engulfs Arlington Park on the morning of July 31, 1985.

Photo: The Daily And Sunday Herald

Great winners of the Arlington Million (gr. IT), including two-time winner John Henry, made it paramount that the race continue after the fire in 1985. Here, John Henry wins the Arlington Million in 1984.

Photo: Blood-Horse Library

In only two months after the fire, Arlington's "tent city" was up and running in anticipation of the 1985 Arlington Million. Huge crowds came out to see what became known as the "Miracle Million."

Photo: E. Martin Jesse/Keeneland Photo

Teleprompter and jockey Tony Ives after winning the 1985 Arlington Million for Lord Derby and trainer Bill Watts.

Photo: Blood-Horse Library

"Man Behind the Million" Richard Duchossois accepts a Special Sovereign Award for rebuilding Arlington Park after the 1985 fire.

Photo: Michael Burns

Hands-on in all aspects of the track, Mr. D samples Arlington's finest sweets in 1994.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Mr. D (left) and Arlington horsemen enjoy the monthly buffet, a perk for those working at the track.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Signs in and around Arlington let everyone know they are welcome at Mr. D's track.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

View of the training track with the Arlington facility in the background.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Mr. D (center) with jockey Julien Leparoux and others in the paddock.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Beautiful skies over the Arlington paddock.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Trainer Chris Block adjusts his horse's bridle as his family looks on.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Chris Block gives a leg up to Julien Leparoux.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

From the picnic area, fans cheer on the horses as they race down the stretch.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Mr. D makes a presentation in the winner's circle.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

The next generation of racing fans enjoys a day at Arlington.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Jockey Chris Emigh does an Equicizer riding demonstration for fans.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Picnic areas are one of the many perks for racing fans at Arlington.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Turf racing in the spectacular setting of Arlington Park.

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Ken & Sarah Ramsey's Real Solution (far left red cap) winning the 2013 Arlington Million.

Photo: Four Footed Fotos

Winning connections including owner Ken Ramsey celebrate Real Solution's 2013 Million win as Mr. D looks on.

Photo: Four Footed Fotos

Mr. D strives for everyone to "Have a great day" at his racetrack. The Illinois oval is the subject of Claire Novak's longform feature sponsored by Ramsey Farm -- Experience at www.bloodhorse.com/ArlingtonLongform

Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt