I REMEMBER when a million was a lot of money, even if it was in dollars. Of course, it still is to most of us but, against a backdrop of the recent unveiling of the $20 million Saudi Cup, the latter-day Grade 1 Arlington Million has lost a lot of ground since inaugurated in 1981.

That first running caused quite a stir, and early winners included such stars as John Henry, Tolomeo and Manila. The winner of the latest Arlington Million, run in outer Chicago as usual last Saturday, is called Bricks And Mortar, and he has won his last six now, including the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream in January.