NEWS
Joyce, founder of Arlington Million, dies at 77
Posted: Monday, November 27, 2006
Joseph F. Joyce Jr., founder of the Arlington Million (G1), the world's first million-dollar Thoroughbred race, died on Monday at age 77.
Joyce brought together the top horses and horsemen from around the world as part of his concept of offering the world's first $1-million purse and presenting the premier international turf race. He ensured the race received television coverage in 27 nations when his concept became reality in 1981.
As former president and chief executive officer of Arlington Park, he presided over the "Miracle Million" when the track staged the 1985 Arlington Million, not allowing the devastating fire that destroyed the track's grandstand to prevent the running of Arlington's signature race. Arlington Park was thus presented a special Eclipse Award for the efforts of Joyce and other track officials.
Joyce began as a racing executive in 1971 in New York as legal counsel and chief operating officer for New York Off-Track Betting, then moved to Chicago and became chairman of Arlington Park, Washington Park, and Roosevelt Raceway in 1974. Two years later, he was named chief executive officer and president of Arlington Park, a position he held until 1982.
He also owned Wyoming Downs from 1990 to '98 and served on the advisory board of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program from 1973 until his death.
Joyce graduated from Fordham Law School and passed the New York Bar in 1956. He served in Korea with the United States Marine Corp and received the Purple Heart during the Korean War.
Joyce has two sons involved in racing. Eugene Joyce, 47, is president and general manager of Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Arizona, and Michael Joyce, 30, is an on-air analyst with Television Games Network.
Wiefels and Son in Palm Springs, California, is handling funeral arrangements.
