Canterbury Park: GM says track not up for sale

During the annual meeting of the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association this past week, Canterbury Park's president and general manager, Randy Sampson, informed horsemen that their are no plans to sell the racetrack.

Working to dispel rumors that the facility would be sold, Sampson outlined plans that would enhance the racetrack and card club facility's appeal as an entertainment destination. Sampson mentioned that some parts of the backstretch property might be developed for alternate uses.

"We've always said we would like an entertainment complex here," Sampson said. "We have a great opportunity for restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, whatever. But the people we are talking to like the idea of having a racetrack to build around."

o A heavy and much needed rainfall arrived during the Canterbury Park card on Sunday, forcing the track to transfer two races scheduled for the turf to the sloppy main track.

Horsemen were in general agreement that the nearly two inches of rain that fell in the south metro area of Minneapolis was just what the turf course needed after six weeks of less- than-average precipitation.

Canterbury Park's signature event, the $100,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes, is scheduled for Saturday with a field of 10 runners entered for the one-mile turf contest. The best local hope in the field might be Tens Holy Spirit, who has won 3 of 4 starts over the Canterbury grass course, including her most recent victory, in the HBPA Mile.