Joe Bollero is in the intensive-care unit at Northwest Community Hospital after suffering a stroke Friday.
The 80-year-old trainer was nicknamed ”Mr. Arlington Park” after he rode Luxembourg to victory in the first race on the track`s inaugural card on Oct. 13, 1927.
After weight forced Bollero out of the irons, he became a top trainer. He won Arlington titles in 1979 and tied for the top spot with Richard Hazelton in 1982.
At the current meet, Bollero has won three races and finished third in 10 starts for $24,036 in earnings.
Split decision: The American National 2-year-old filly pace will be run in two seven-horse, $46,000 divisions Wednesday night at Sportsman`s Park.
Toni Tyler is expected to go off as the favorite in the first division, carded as the fourth race. The 2-year-old filly comes into the race with a three-race winning streak. She has won $22,902 in her five-race career.
Armbro Kalinator is expected to be a heavy favorite in the second division, which goes off as the sixth. The Nihilator filly is touted as one of the nation`s top freshman fillies by virtue of her unblemished three-race career.
Record-bound: If jockey Shane Sellers continues to win at his torrid pace, he will smash an Arlington record.
Sellers got off quickly with five wins on opening day and has dominated the meet`s rider standings since. Through 52 days of Arlington`s 131-day meet, Sellers has won 94 races, finished second 61 times and third 41 times in 341 mounts. If the 24-year-old rider continues at this pace he would surpass 240 victories.
Randy Romero set the current mark in 1982 when he won 181 races during a 121-day meet.
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