John Henry and Ron McAnally set the standard for the Arlington Million
By Mike Porcaro
Midwest Thoroughbred
History was made at Arlington Park on Aug. 30, 1981. That was the day of the inaugural running of the Arlington Million, the first thoroughbred horse race to offer a purse of $1 million.
On the eve of Arlington Million XXIX, those who have followed the history of the race since its inception will always remember the “Gallant Gelding,” John Henry, and his remarkable trainer, Ron McAnally. The duo set the standard for the greatness of the race.
The thrilling victory in the first Arlington Million by John Henry over The Bart on a yielding turf course is remembered for being one of the great grass races of the 20th century. Coming from well-behind The Bart with a quarter-mile to go, jockey Willie Shoemaker rallied the Big Horse to nip the leader at the wire.
Never one to quit, John Henry came back in 1983 to the race only to lose by a neck to Tolomeo, but, in 1984 at age nine, McAnally’s charge won the Arlington Million for the second time. Hall of Famer Ron McAnally has won three “Million” races, including in 1991 with Tight Spot.
In an interview with the Daily Racing Form, McAnally said, “Every time I come back here (Arlington Park) I have great memories of that first Million,” McAnally said. “It’s not something anyone here forgets
.
While the Arlington Million remains a classic race year after year, it’s John Henry and Ron McAnally that we’ll always remember when we think of its tradition.
Ron McAnally, trainer of John Henry, near the statue of the immortal horse, John Henry
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Ferry