Investigation centers on Minnesota Racing Commission assistant executive director

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Additional information has emerged on the investigation by the state into Minnesota Racing Commission assistant executive director Mary Manney.

Manney was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 7 pending an investigation for alleged insubordination. According to her attorney, Sheila Englemeier, Manney on Oct. 4 filed a formal complaint of sex discrimination against commission chairman Jesse Overton.

Overton said the complaint is without merit.

“I look forward to responding at the appropriate time,” Overton said. “I have every confidence that I will have the opportunity to speak to – and the public deserves to know – the facts surrounding this case.”

Overton declined to comment on the reason for the insubordination investigation.

* Canterbury Park applied for 2013 racing dates at the Minnesota Racing Commission’s monthly meeting on Thursday. Canterbury wants to expand its season by 8 days to 68. Racing would begin Preakness weekend and extend through the second week of September. Due to the cooperative marketing effort signed with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, purses will rise approximately 25 percent over 2012 levels and 100 percent over 2011 levels.

The date request is expected to be addressed at the November commission meeting.