Press release from Minnesota Racing Commission
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (March 19, 2019) — The Minnesota Racing Commission has appointed David Hooper, David Smith and Stanley Bowker to the Canterbury Park Board of Stewards for its 2019 race meet. The appointments were made at the commission’s February meeting.
Hooper, one of last year’s Pete Pedersen award recipients for dedicated service and special contributions to the horse racing industry, has been involved in horse racing for more than 50 years, with more than 20 years as a regulator. This also will be his fifth meet as chief steward at Canterbury.
Smith has been a part of the racing industry for more than 30 years and has served as a thoroughbred and quarterhorse steward and standardbred judge at 11 tracks around the country. This will be his fifth season at Canterbury.
Bowker, another 2018 Pete Pedersen recipient, returns to Shakopee after serving as Vice-President and General Manager of Canterbury Downs in 1984. Bowker has spent 51 years in the horse racing industry and is currently chief steward at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
“The Minnesota Racing Commission is proud to have a board of stewards who have demonstrated professional excellence, integrity and benevolent consideration in the performance of their duties, both here in Minnesota and across the country,” said Tom DiPasquale, Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director. “Their knowledge and experience will continue our dedication to the integrity of the racing program here in Minnesota.”
The 2019 race meet at Canterbury Park begins May 3.
The Minnesota Racing Commission was established to regulate horse racing and card playing in Minnesota; to ensure that it is conducted in the public interest, and to take all necessary steps in ensuring the integrity of racing and card playing in Minnesota thus promoting the breeding of race horses in order to stimulate agriculture and rural agribusiness. More information can be found at www.mrc.state.mn.us.
