Long before the first broken down horse player enters Arlington Park, there is plenty of activity going on in the barn area, as well as on the fabled race track.
The back barn area is buzzing with trainers, grooms and other workers preparing the horses for that day's action action.
If a horse isn't running that day, it still works out in the morning to remain in peak condition.
Workout begin at 5:30 a.m. as trainers watch and time their competitors for upcoming races. How well a horse performs in the morning can give its handlers enough information to determine when the horse can be ready to compete. Horses like to run and need to run daily to be ready for competition.
A horse can compete in a race about every week or two, if in top condition. Some horses run more often so the track can fill a day's card.
There is no doubt horses are pampered, being washed daily and having plenty to eat in the barn. Track workers live on the backside during the racing season and attend to the horses' needs constantly.
Arlington Park provides housing, medical and dental care, and a recreation area for the workers' children. Back barn workers are a close-knit group of people who travel from track to track throughout the year. They get paid from the horse's connections (owners and trainers) and can make extra money doing odd jobs for Arlington throughout the day.
Of course, when the morning duties are finished, then it's time for racing. A good workout in the morning can lead to a fantastic afternoon at Arlington.