Budweiser Arlington Million

Blue and white logo above white semi circle containing blue text and illustration of jockey on horse. Surrounding all is white text on red background.

The Arlington Million is a thoroughbred horserace founded in 1981 with the first million-dollar winners’ purse. The race has most often been held at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with a few exceptions for renovation and repair. The race is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge and qualifies the winner for the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, both of which contribute to a horse’s pedigree and value. Since 1981, the race has changed names several times, including the Budweiser Million Stakes from 1982-1984 and the Budweiser-Arlington Million from 1985-1987.

In 1981, the inaugural race of the Arlington Million was won by thoroughbred John Henry. Foaled in 1975, John Henry began racing in 1978 and earned $6,591,860 over his career of 39 wins. John Henry’s win was commemorated with the statue, “Against All Odds,” located at Arlington Park which portrays the nose-to-nose competition between John Henry and The Bart across the finish line.