Canterbury Gets Approval for 70-Day Meet

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Canterbury Park received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission Nov. 20 to conduct a 70-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet in 2015.



The meet will begin May 15 and run through Sept. 12.



The 70-day stand will be the longest since the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack reopened in 1995 as Canterbury Park. It reflects the impact of a 2012 cooperative marketing and purse enhancement agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, owners and operators of Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, that adds $75 million to horsemen purses over 10 years.



A record $13.1 million in purses was paid in 2014 when 68 days of racing were held, more than doubling purses paid in 2011. Racetrack management estimates that purses will increase 5% in 2015.



"The interest and enthusiasm in racing at Canterbury Park continues to grow," said Eric Halstrom, vice president of racing operations. "Additional days send a positive message to horsemen across the country that horse racing in Minnesota is thriving and that Canterbury Park is the place to be."



Racing on Thursdays and Fridays will begin at 6:30 p.m. and weekend and holiday racing at 12:45 p.m., with the exception of Saturdays in August, which will begin at 6:30 p.m.



The MRC also approved Canterbury's plans for a $1 million renovation of the south portion of the grandstand's clubhouse level. Improvements will allow for additional year-round group sales opportunities for the company.



"Remodeling the outdated clubhouse allows us to better meet the expectations of a competitive group events market," track president Randy Sampson said. "This will be a great improvement, offering a first class entertainment experience for our guests while generating revenue for the company and creating jobs in the community."



Canterbury Park recently opened its 30,000-square foot Expo Center at a cost of $2.5 million, making it the fourth largest exhibit space in the Twin Cities.



The 2015 stakes schedule and purse structure will be announced in early December.