Arlington Racetrack Owner to be Inducted Into Racing Hall of Fame

From The National Museum of Racing: The National Museum of Racing will induct the 97-year-old owner of Arlington International Racecourse, Richard L. “Dick” Duchossois, into its Hall of Fame on Friday, August 2. Dick who is also referred to as “Mr. D” is known in Chicago for his success as the owner of Arlington.

Under his direction Arlington became the first track to win the Special Eclipse Award in 1985 when it produced the “Miracle Million,” successfully running the marquee race less than a month after a major fire devastated the track. Duchossois was presented a Special Eclipse Award in 1989 and the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2003. Arlington played host to the Breeders’ Cup in 2002, and the Arlington International Festival of Racing remains on the top draws of the elite foreign horses to America each year. In 2000, Arlington merged with Churchill Downs, Inc. with Duchossis maintaining a prominent role of the board of directors. A member of The Jockey Club, Ducchossois has served many organizations in the sport, including the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and the Thoroughbred Racing Association. He was awarded The Jockey Club’s Gold Medal in 1986, a Special Sovereign Award from The Jockey Club of Canada in 1988 and the Lord Derby Award in Great Britain, also in 1988.

Mr. D is one of sixteen to make up the 2019 class that includes jockey Craig Perret; the racehorse Royal Delta (KY), My Juliet (KY), and Waya (FR); and Pillars of the Turf James E. “Ted” Bassett III, Christopher T. Chenery, Williams S. Farish, John Hettinger, James R. Knee, Frank E. “Jimmy” Kilroe, Gladys Mills Phipps, Ogden Phipps, Helen Hay Whitney, Marylou Whitney, and Warren Wright, Sr.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Legendary racecaller Tom Durkin will serve as the master of ceremonies.