Schoepf Retires From Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park will begin a search for a new director of racing and racing secretary following the announcement that Doug Schoepf has retired after 21 years at the Shakopee, Minn., track.



Schoepf, who has been Canterbury Park's only racing secretary since the racetrack reopened in 1995, will pursue other interests in the racing industry, the announcement said.



"Doug has been a valued member of Canterbury Park's racing program for more than two decades," Canterbury Park president Randy Sampson said in a statement. "He has been here since the track reopened and provided insightful and much-needed leadership in the early years, drawing on his experience and connections in the industry. He has been a great asset to our racing program and deserves a lot of credit for our success."



Schoepf also held the position of assistant racing secretary in 1991 and 1992 at what was then Canterbury Downs. The track closed at the end of 1992, with live racing returning in 1995 under new ownership and with a new name, Canterbury Park.



"Doug helped set the tone for a horsemen-friendly racetrack, establishing a reputation that has contributed greatly to Canterbury's ability to fill our backside with horses and put on a competitive racing program," Sampson said. "Horsemen remained loyal to Canterbury and Doug's racing office during the years when purses were lean."

Schoepf is currently racing secretary at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Neb.

"I am fortunate to have been a part of the success of the racing program at Canterbury Park and I take great pride in what we've accomplished," Schoepf said. "There are other areas of the industry that I would like to explore and look forward to a new challenge. I know Canterbury will have a very promising future."

Canterbury Park officials have no immediate plans for Schoepf's successor and will begin a national search in the next month. Canterbury concluded a 70-day race meet Sept. 12 and live racing will return in May 2016.