ARLINGTON: ROBERT BRUCE COMES BACK LOOKING FOR HISTORY

By Grant LaGrange —-

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (August 1, 2019) –

John Henry, one of the greatest thoroughbred horses in history, wasn’t a highly acclaimed juvenile, he never won a Triple Crown race, and he came from a pedigree line that was anything but prestigious. John Henry’s legendary status sprang from his ability to run like a champion. Even as John reached the age that most thoroughbreds begin to decline it seemed that he was just finding his best stride. Like Cigar a decade later, John Henry captivated race fans by continuing to provide memorable moments by winning the biggest races across the country

In 1981, John Henry was the richest horse in training. The leading money rider in history, Bill Shoemaker, got aboard and the two went on to win the richest thoroughbred at the time in the inaugural running of the Arlington Million at Arlington Park.

In 1984, John Henry returned for his second victory in the four-year history of this race. After winning the inaugural running in 1981, he skipped the 1982 edition with a pulled muscle and came back for the 1984 Million where he became the first horse to win the race twice.

The victory gave John Henry the horse of the year title, which he had also won three years prior. He was also named champion turf male for the second year in a row.

A few decades later, Gio Ponti had the opportunity to become the first horse ever to win the Arlington Million in back to back seasons, and only the second horse to win it twice when he showed up on 2010.

Gio Ponti was turned away that day, finishing second to Debussy in a valiant effort.

The possibility for history returns to Arlington on August 10, however, as Robert Bruce (CHI) returns to defend his title.

If Robert Bruce were to win, he would become the first horse ever to win back to back Millions, and would become the second horse in history to win the race twice, following in the footsteps of the legendary John Henry.

So far, Robert Bruce has yet to find the winners circle in 2019. He most recently finished a solid second behind Bricks and Mortar who will be the heavy favorite in the 37th Arlington Million. The second place finish was the best finish of the year so far for Robert Bruce, and the 5-year-old trained by Chad Brown will come into the Arlington Million in peak condition and look to etch his name in the Arlington history books.