Washington Park Race Track

Washington Park Race Track

Washington Park Race Track, Derby Day 1903.
Location	61st Street and Cottage Grove, Chicago Cook County, Illinois[1]
Coordinates	41°46′55″N 87°36′39″W / 41.78194°N 87.61083°W / 41.78194; -87.61083
Owned by	Washington Park Jockey Club
Date opened	1884
Date closed	1977

Washington Park Race Track was a popular horse racing venue in the Chicago metropolitan area from 1884 until 1977. It had two locations during its existence. It was first situated at what became the Washington Park Subdivision of the Woodlawn community area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. This is immediately south of both the 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 19th century, but modern developments and changes in the betting laws led to the decline of both. In its prime, the track was an especially 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 General Philip Sheridan, who was an early leader of the track and club. The track was closed and reopened according to the contemporary state and local laws on gambling and eventually waned in popularity and social importance.

Over the years, numerous famous horses and jockeys appeared at the track. In the 19th century, horses such as Emperor of Norfolk and Domino raced. In the 20th century, some of the Thoroughbreds to race at Washington Park included Triple Crown winners Citation and Whirlaway. Other 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 graded stakes races were run at the track such as the Stars and Stripes Turf Handicap and the Washington Park Handicap. In addition, match races were held at the track.