Arlington Announces Second Purse Increase of Meet

Purses for the final nine days of the 30-day meet at Arlington International Racecourse will be raised 9%, according to Arlington director of racing and racing secretary Chris Polzin. This is the second increase of the meet following a 20% hike last month.

The latest increase, effective Sept. 10, is attributed to better-than-forecasted handle from advance deposit wagering platforms and revenue generated from Arlington's off-track betting parlors, most of which were able to open after June 1. The meet continues through Sept. 30, with racing conducted Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Late last month Arlington gained government approval to allow up to 300 spectators, with COVID-19 precautions in place. Fans were first allowed for live racing Sept. 3.

Field size at Arlington remains small, though more horses have raced in recent weeks. From July 23-Aug. 8, the track averaged 6.8 starters per race. Since then, the average has increased to 7.4 for a meet-long average of 7.1.

Larry Rivelli is easily headed for another Arlington training title, and Jareth Loveberry is the clear leader in the jockeys' race. Patricia's Hope is the runaway leading owner.

Arlington, which delayed its season this year amid COVID-19 and a dispute with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, did not run its most famous race this year, the Arlington Million Stakes (G1T), nor its sister race, the Beverly D. Stakes (G1T).