Bettors Support Canterbury Park Opener
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Photo: Coady Photography
Canterbury Park
While the success of its move to lower pari-mutuel takeout across the board will be determined over time, bettors supported the opening night program of the Canterbury Park meet May 20.
Total wagering for opening night was up 33% at the Shakopee, Minn., track to $840,999 compared with the 2015 opener. On-track wagering improved 20% to $243,802 and off-track wagering—where the track especially hopes to improve performance—was up 39% to $597,197.
Canterbury and its horsemen agreed to reduce pari-mutuel takeout rates for win, place, and show from 17% to 15%—second-lowest in North America; and from 23% to 18% for all other wagers. The Minnesota track's rate for exactas, trifectas, and superfectas will be North America's lowest, according to Horseplayers Association of North America statistics.
Supporters of lower takeout believe the higher payouts to players will encourage additional handle through increased churn. While that trend will have to be examined throughout the meet, it's clear Canterbury's move has drawn positive attention from players who supported the meet's opening day.
The 69-day meet at Canterbury runs through Sept. 17.