Portal:Chicago/Selected article/45

Washington Park Race Track was a popular horse racing venue in the Chicago metropolitan area from 1884 until 1977. It was first situated in what is the current location of the Washington Park Subdivision of the Woodlawn community area of Chicago. This is immediately south of both the current Washington Park community area and Washington Park. The track was later relocated to Homewood, Illinois, which is also in Cook County. The original track and its accompanying Jockey Club were social draws in the late 1800s, but modern developments and changes in the law led to the decline of both. In its prime, the track was an important social gathering place on opening day and the day of the American Derby, which ranked as one of horse racing's highest purses. The Jockey club, designed by Solon Spencer Beman, hosted a social gathering led by early track and club leader General Philip Sheridan. The track was closed and reopened according to the contemporary gambling laws and eventually waned in popularity and social importance. Over the years, numerous famous horses and jockeys appeared at the track. In the 19th century, notable horses, such as Emperor of Norfolk and Domino raced. In the 20th century, notable Thoroughbreds to race at Washington Park included Triple Crown winners Citation and Whirlaway. Other notable horses included Native Dancer and Swaps, who each won legs of the Triple Crown. Jockey Eddie Arcaro won both the 1948 and 1953 American Derby races at the track. In addition to the American Derby, several other notable graded stakes races were run at the track such as the Stars and Stripes Turf Handicap and the Washington Park Handicap. In addition, notable match races were held at the track.