Canterbury Park predicts record-breaking season
Canterbury Park Holding Corp. plans to pay out a record $14 million in purses this summer in what will be the longest racing season in 23 years.
Purses have been on the rise annually since Canterbury Holding Corp. signed a $75 million,10-year marketing and purse enhancement agreement with Mystic Lake Casino owner Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in 2012.
RELATED: The bet that saved Canterbury
Larges purses attract more and better horses, because owners know they will get paid more upon finishing in the top three.
Last year, Canterbury Holding Corp. held a 68-day season and paid out $13.1 million in purses. Before the deal was struck, Canterbury paid just over $5 million in purses annually.
“I can say with confidence that this race meet will provide the highest quality we have seen since we re-opened in 1995,” Canterbury President Randy Sampson said in a press release. “Horsemen that choose to race here know that we have a solid purse structure moving forward and that Canterbury Park can be their place to race each summer."
The racing season is set to run from May 15 through Sept. 12 and total 70 days of racing. The $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby is scheduled for Aug. 29.
Reported by: Minneapolis | St. Paul Business Journal
Purses have been on the rise annually since Canterbury Holding Corp. signed a $75 million,10-year marketing and purse enhancement agreement with Mystic Lake Casino owner Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in 2012.
RELATED: The bet that saved Canterbury
Larges purses attract more and better horses, because owners know they will get paid more upon finishing in the top three.
Last year, Canterbury Holding Corp. held a 68-day season and paid out $13.1 million in purses. Before the deal was struck, Canterbury paid just over $5 million in purses annually.
“I can say with confidence that this race meet will provide the highest quality we have seen since we re-opened in 1995,” Canterbury President Randy Sampson said in a press release. “Horsemen that choose to race here know that we have a solid purse structure moving forward and that Canterbury Park can be their place to race each summer."
The racing season is set to run from May 15 through Sept. 12 and total 70 days of racing. The $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby is scheduled for Aug. 29.
Reported by: Minneapolis | St. Paul Business Journal
