A look back at historical events on this day in Thoroughbred racing

October 13, 1927—Arlington Park opened. The track, built by H. D. Brown, had a steeplechase course and a polo field and was adjacent to tennis courts, a golf course, and a one-mile training track.

October 13, 1956—At age four, 1955 Horse of the Year Nashua won his last race, the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes at Belmont Park.

October 13, 1984—At age nine, odds-on favorite John Henry won his last race, the Ballantine's Scotch Classic at the Meadowlands, to earn the richest purse of his career, $740,000, which included a $500,000 bonus for winning both the Turf Classic (G1), run at Belmont Park on September 22, and the Meadowlands's race. John Henry retired as America's then-richest horse with earnings of $6,591,860.