Canterbury Park Approved for Shorter 54-Day Meet

Canterbury Park's request for a shorter 54-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing season in 2023 from May 27-Sept. 16 was unanimously approved Dec. 15 by the Minnesota Racing Commission.

The season, 10 race days shorter than last year, and an average daily purse distribution of $220,000, including both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse purses, were agreed upon by track management and the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. The track needed to restructure its purses and race dates after a longtime purse supplement agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Group concluded.

"In 2023 we have a schedule that I am confident will be successful based on available purse money and race-ready horses that will be at Canterbury throughout the summer season," Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson said.

"We are investing significant dollars in our racing infrastructure, including new barns, dormitories to house staff, and safety enhancements as we plan for the future of horse racing in Minnesota," Sampson added.

A new 100-stall barn is under construction, while nine smaller barns built in 1985 are scheduled for demolition as the result of a land sale, making way for an outdoor amphitheater. Other improvements include a reconfiguring of the training track, construction of a 34-room dormitory, and complete replacement of the main track and paddock lighting.

The 2023 stakes schedule, along with the first condition book, will be available in early January. The stable area will open for arrivals May 5, and training can begin May 8.