Thoroughbred racing never saw anything like it did on August 30, 1981.

Before that late summer day, there had been countless stakes worth no less than $100,000, and winning races with a purse of that nature was a big deal to a horse's connections. And for the victorious horse, wins in that category enhanced their growing legend.

But the winner of the 1981 Arlington Million would be part of history. It did not matter if another win came later on or if retirement immediately followed. The horse who crossed the wire first in the one and one-quarter mile race on turf at Arlington Park would forever be remembered by virtue of the event's magnitude.

No race before this one had boasted a $1 million purse, and that immediately made everyone's attention shift to the state of Illinois. In all, twelve horses were sent to Arlington Heights for a chance at what was then the biggest purse anyone had seen in the sport. Among those in the post parade that day were Argument, a multiple stakes winner in France; Madam Gay, a filly who won or placed in stakes in England; Key to Content, who captured the Grade I United Nations Handicap at Atlantic City a few weeks earlier; and Rossi Gold, who won some graded stakes at Arlington prior to the Million.

But taking them and the rest of the field on was the tough and talented John Henry, the sport's reigning Champion Grass Horse. A rags-to-riches tale in the vein of Seabiscuit, John Henry went from claimer to champion in the span of four seasons. Now at the age of six, he was in top form, having won every race he entered in 1980 outside of the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Fans expected another first place check to come John Henry's way, making him the 1.10-1 favorite with stablemate Super Moment. Aboard John Henry was Bill Shoemaker, the living legend who always had a mount in the big races. There was no way a contest like the Arlington Million could have taken place without Shoemaker.

To the roar of the Arlington crowd, the horses left the gate as they went for the biggest payday of their careers on the Arlington Park turf. Key to Content seized the early lead. Kilijaro, Match the Hatch, and The Bart were all in the mix, as was John Henry, who drew the widest post of all in the twelve spot. Really, most of the field was close together in those early stages as Key to Content orchestrated the tempo on the inside.

He had the race his own way up until the far turn. At that point, The Bart took over the lead. Well known to the Southern California circuit, the huge longshot sought a surprise win in the Arlington Million. Madam Gay got into contention as she attempted to beat the boys, and Key to Content was not far behind either of them. Meanwhile, John Henry emerged from the pack with Shoemaker, the two looking to add to what was already an extraordinary 1981 season for the gelding.

Arlington Park grew louder as the fans watched and cheered in excitement. The Bart and Eddie Delahoussaye advanced, putting space between themselves and Madam Gay. John Henry got past Key to Content and Madam Gay on the outside. Moving steadily and looking tough and rugged, Ron McAnally's star horse only had The Bart to deal with now.

The Bart showed his gameness, not willing to back off from a battle. Shoemaker sought more from John Henry, who kept catching up to the leader. With a handful of seconds left in the Arlington Millon, the son of Ole Bob Bowers reduced the deficit, getting even with The Bart as the two hit the wire together in front of thousands of screaming fans.

Already an historical race, the Arlington Million now held instant classic status. What's more, a photo finish was needed to determine the winner, and that kept the suspense alive for a little while longer. No one could deny the Arlington Million lived up to the billing.

After a few minutes of analysis, the announcement came. The public had called it before the race. By the slimmest of margins, John Henry added to what became his second Champion Grass Horse campaign and first Horse of the Year honor by winning the Arlington Million. The stretch run symbolized what John Henry was made of. Obviously named after the folk hero, John Henry took on a larger-than-life persona thanks to his journey from humble beginnings. His toughness also added to his story, for he appeared to be virtually invincible at the age of six. Dominant, strong and brave, all of John Henry's most visible traits were showcased in the Arlington Million. With all due respect to all his opponents, it seemed like no other horse could win that race but John Henry.

It also seemed fitting that Bill Shoemaker finished the day as the Million's winning jockey. Considered the greatest rider of all time, Shoemaker collected wins in every major race one could think of. Winning the Arlington Million with that never before seen purse could have only gone to one of the sport's greats. And no one was greater than Bill Shoemaker.

The race yielded a terrific result for the Southern California circuit, for the top two horses competed out West. It was a Southland exacta in Illinois, and John Henry and the Bart beat rivals who competed in the East and in Europe. In that regard, The Bart was a winner in his own right. And there was absolutely no shame in being beaten by John Henry.

The 1981 Arlington Million will always be among Thoroughbred racing's most historical races. It may have been held in the Land of Lincoln, but on that day, it belonged to John Henry, Bill Shoemaker, Ron McAnally, The Bart, and the Golden State.