ARLINGTON: DUCHOSSOIS INDUCTED TO RACING HALL OF FAME

By Grant LaGrange —-

Mr. Richard L. Duchossois, more commonly known as “Mr.D”, was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of fame on Friday August 2 in New York.

Under the guidance of Mr.D, Arlington became the first track to win the Special Eclipse Award in 1985 when it produced the “Miracle Million”; successfully running the tracks marquee race only a month after a fire devastated the building.

Duchossois was also presented a special eclipse award in 1989, and the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2003.

Along with these accomplishments, Mr. D was also 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.

On Saturday, Arlington International Racecourse honored Mr.D in a winner’s circle ceremony prior to race 4.

Tom Hayes, mayor of Arlington Heights, was on track to designate August 3, 2019 as Richard L.Duchossois day in the village of Arlington Heights.

“I’m very honored, and very proud,” said Duchossois. “None of these accomplishments could have happened without friends, like all of you people in the stands, the village of Arlington Heights, and all of the people who have surrounded me. I received these awards not on what I have done, but on what they have done. I am around the finest people in the world and no one could ask for any better friends. I’m very thankful.”

Duchossois was one of thirteen other inductees for 2019 National Racing Hall of Fame. The induction adds to what continues to be both an immensely accomplished life, and legendary career.