Horse Racing Handicapping vs. Games of Chance. Learn more about horse racing
It was June 30, 1973 at the Chicago racetrack, Arlington Park. Secretariat was making his first race after his dominating performance in the Belmont.
This is the ABC TV coverage of Secretariat and his race at Arlington Park in the summer of 1973 in front of a packed house. Secretariat would go on to be upset by Onion in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga in his subsequent start. But on this day Triple Crown Secretariat was brilliant as he won again by open lengths.
One million dollars. For a horse race. It was unheard of at the time.
The largest purse for a horse racing history in North America was created 40 years ago. And although it was last run in 2019 when Bricks and Mortar captured the race, it has captivated race fans since its inception.
“It really developed from Joe Joyce, Robin Sheldon, Ralph Ross and Mr. (Dick) Duchossois,” said Tony Petrillo, President of Arlington Park Racetrack. “They wanted to put Arlington on the map. So, this race was developed, and it was the first million-dollar race in the country [the Arlington Million].”
And there would not be a more fitting end to that first race in 1981 than a photo finish. Just like legendary track announcer Phil Georgeoff called it: “Is it The Bart? Or is it John Henry on the outside?”
It was John Henry, with the legendary Willie Shoemaker aboard, nosing out The Bart, a 40-1 longshot, at the wire in a truly exciting end to a huge payday for the owners of John Henry. That finish, which was the closest in Million history, has been memorialized in a statue with both horses just outside the paddock area and still sits there today.
The million-dollar purse and the race that went with it in 1981 did just what it was expected to do as Arlington Park racetrack began to regain its prominence not just in the United States, but in the world…
More on the history of the Arlington Million at www.dailyherald.com
75 years of historic horse racing came to a close on December 22, 2013 at Hollywood Park. Track announcer Vic Stauffer gave a great send off to the Southern California racetrack.
This is a track where Citation, Native Diver, Affirmed, Zenyatta and many more great horses raced over the years.
The battle between 2018 Kentucky Derby hopefuls Bolt d’Oro and McKenzie in the G2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita.
The ironman Perry Outz won again, scoring his 7,142 career win. That victory moved him into the 6th position overall for wins by a jockey – an amazing feat by the legendary Ohio rider.
Outz’ win on Friday at Belterra Park was called by track announcer Ed Meyer.
Vintage 1999 video of the Pick-6 boys from California, featuring well known handicapper and TV personality Christian Hellmers.
Handicapping author Jim Quinn is also featured in this short video segment.
Rest in Peace Forty Niner. The 1988 Haskell was one of Forty Niner’s many great wins. Interviews with Laffit Pincay and Arthur Hancock post race.
“He is a horse that always gives his all,” said Arthur Hancock of Claiborne Farm
Betting favorite Tiz The Law dominated in the 2020 Florida Derby in front of no fans last Saturday. Three runners went very wide around the first turn, including #9 Independence Hall. Fountain Of Youth winner Et Indien was washed out badly pre-race. H got over quickly from his outside post but dueled throughout with the eventual runner-up. He was game to hang on for third in front of my top pick, Governeur Morris, who made a wide run turning for home. If the latter gets up for second, I win an NHC berth, but alas, thanks a lot Governeur…
Huge longshot Shivaree took advantage of his inside post and went right to the front. The son of Awesome Of Course showed a lot by saving some late and outfinishing Et Indien down the lane.
There’s no denying that Sackatoga Stable, of Funny Cide fame, has another nice 3yo in this grandson of Tapit. He has a great horseman in Barclay Tagg in his corner. Gulstream Park’s recap of Tiz The Law’s big win in the Florida Derby.
“He is something special. It would be a lot of fun going to Kentucky in five weeks, but that’s not happening, obviously,” Owner Jack Knowlton said. “Now we get to run some more races. Maybe the Wood will come back in play. Maybe we can do a Travers-Derby double. Right now it’s a blank slate. Nobody knows what’s going to happen where or when with all that’s going on in the country.”
UK correspondent Edward Sadler has a sit-down interview with superstar jockey Frankie Dettori to look back on his incredible year in the saddle in 2019.
A great rider, and by all accounts, a great man, Hall of Fame rider Randy Romero passed away due to serious health issues. He was the regular rider of Personal Ensign, one of the all-time greatest mares and one of the few undefeated champions in history. This was very final race.
Rest in peace, Randy.
Rich Nilsen is an 18-time qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship (NHC), an event he has cashed in four times in 17 attempts. He was the first player to finish in the top 10 twice. A former executive with Brisnet.com & Churchill Downs, Rich is also a graduate of the University of Louisville Equine Business Program.
A Game of Skill is a division of publishing house All Star Press - Books that Change Lives
AGameofSkill.com is an educational website and NOT a gambling site.
