As an avid fan of thoroughbred racing and a resident of the northwest suburbs for several years, I have spent many happy days at Arlington International Racecourse. Like most racing fans, I, too, am very sorry to see it close.
During my visits to the track I have met people from all over the world, and many seem to share a common goal; they want to see the place they’ve heard so much about at home. From Europe and Asia to Australia and beyond, people come to Arlington to enjoy the sport and the pleasant surroundings.
The track has given Arlington Heights and, for that matter, the State of Illinois, an international reputation and cachet that the Bears, a retirement village or a yet another shopping mall will never equal. Those people who have come out against providing the track with additional revenue streams need to realize that when Arlington closes, it is the entire area that loses and not just Richard Duchossois and a few fans.
Unfortunately, like many things in life, no one will realize the value of the track until long after it’s gone, though I’d bet that no one will ever say that about Gov. Jim Edgar.
