Canterbury Park To Open Barns Early As Demand Rises

Shakopee, MN - With returning horsemen and new trainers requesting access to the Canterbury Park stable area in mid-April, track officials announced today that barns will be open Monday, April 15 and that the one-mile main track will be available for training Monday, April 22, seven days earlier than originally planned. Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson and Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association President Thomas Metzen reached an agreement to share the costs associated with an earlier start date to accommodate the demand. Canterbury’s race meet begins Friday, May 17. The training track will open April 16.

“We have received a record number of stall applications,” Sampson said. “Trainers that have raced here for years are increasing numbers and improving the quality of their stock while several new trainers and owners, including some of the best in the Midwest, are intending to be here. If the weather cooperates we will open for training earlier than expected to make sure they are all ready to race.” With purses projected to be nearly double the 2010 level due to a joint marketing agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Canterbury received stall requests for more than 2,400 horses. Allotment of the 1,600 available stalls will be determined next week.

Earlier this year, Javier Barajas was hired as track superintendent. Barajas holds a similar position at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai and will arrive at the Shakopee, MN track in early April.