The kickoff of the 65-day race meet at Canterbury Park in Minnesota has its ups and has its downs but in the background is the status of a 10-year casino agreement set to expire. But back to the races. Supply and demand are at play as too many tracks in the Midwest operating simultaneously and too few horses, according to the Daily Racing Form.
Canterbury’s 10-year agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux tribe, expires at the end of the year. The agreement kept Canterbury from turning racino, thus interfering with the tribe’s casino. In exchange the tribe paid $75 million over 10 years, money which propped up purses.
“We’re optimistic we’ll have a good summer once everyone gets here,” said Offerman. 1,350 of Canterbury’s 1,500 stalls have been allocated.
Canterbury races Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. First post Sunday is 1 p.m. Central with the other cards beginning at 5. Starting June 1, Canterbury adds Quarter Horse races to the end of cards.
