Canterbury Park cancels Friday racing

SHAKOPEE, MN – Canterbury Park announced it has canceled its Friday card as a result of the state government shutdown.

Canterbury Park has been closed since July 1 when the state of Minnesota failed to have a budget in place. The state closure shuttered the Minnesota Racing Commission, which regulates racing at the state’s two racetracks, Canterbury and Running Aces Harness Park.

The two tracks petitioned on July 6 for a reconsideration of Judge Kathleen Gearin’s original finding that the law requires an annual appropriations bill passed by the legislature for the commission to operate. Attorneys for the track and the MInnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association are hopeful that with the additional information provided in their brief, Gearin will reconsider that finding and agree with their contention that the appropriation to the commission is automatic and does not need to be passed by the legislature and signed by the governor. With no ruling on Thursday, track officials were forced to cancel Friday night’s card.

Friday will be the sixth consecutive racing day lost to the shutdown. A decision on Saturday’s card will be made during the day on Friday.