Registered broodmares in Minnesota up 77 percent in 2013

Minnesota will expect to see a significantly larger foal crop in 2013, following a report released by the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association that the number of registered broodmares in the state has increased by 77 percent for the current foaling year.

All broodmares that will be foaling in Minnesota are required to be registered by March 15 of the year they will foal.

The condition of Thoroughbred racing in Minnesota has improved following a ten-year agreement between the state’s only flat-breed racetrack, Canterbury Park in Shakopee, and the Mdewakanton Sioux tribe, operator of the Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake. In exchange for ending its campaign for casino gaming, Canterbury will receive $75 million for its purse structure from the tribal casino, with additional considerations for a marketing partnership.

The deal commenced in June 2012 in the midst of Canterbury’s live meet and immediately increased purses.

“These numbers are tremendous,” said MTA President Jay Dailey. “The cooperative marketing agreement between the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and Canterbury Park is really paying dividends throughout the Thoroughbred industry in Minnesota.

“This increase is a direct result of breeders recognizing that there is money to be made here,” Dailey continued. “I know our membership has been very active in purchasing in-foal broodmares as well as broodmare prospects in anticipation of the excellent purses for future foals to be running for at Canterbury Park. I anticipate these numbers will continue to rise over the next few years as well.”