Canterbury Park forced to cancel Sunday card

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Canterbury Park was forced to cancel another race card on Sunday because of the ongoing state budget impasse. No decision was made by Judge Kathleen Gearin on the racetrack’s petition to reconsider her earlier ruling against keeping the Minnesota Racing Commission open during the state shutdown. Without the commission, the track cannot operate.

Canterbury, the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, and Running Aces Harness Park have argued that since the state racing commission is entirely funded by the racing industry, receives no money from the general fund, and has already received reimbursement for expected July expenses, the tracks should be allowed to continue to operate during the shutdown. Gearin denied their first request to remain open but attorneys bolstered their arguments in the petition for reconsideration.

Two stakes races, the two MTA Stallion Stakes, were cancelled as a result of Saturday’s closure, while the already rescheduled Minnesota HBPA Mile again will be deferred with the cancellation of Sunday racing.

Canterbury has now lost eight racing days since being forced to close on July 1. The next scheduled racing day for Canterbury is Thursday.