With the unseasonably warm and dry weather in Minnesota, much progress has been made on the $15m backstretch redevelopment and improvement project.
Several pieces of the plan came to fruition last spring and summer with the redesign of the training track, installation of main track and paddock area lighting and construction of a 36-room dormitory. Earlier this Fall the main track safety rail was replaced.
Last week the skeleton of the first of three 108-stall barns was erected. It is ready for the fabric skin to be added. The shells of the next two barns should be completed in the coming weeks. The ground work including the major electric and plumbing/drainage was completed as well. Concrete slabs for wash racks and restrooms should be poured soon. In other words, everything in on schedule for the return of horses and humans on May 1, 2024.
The main stable gate entrance is moving. Its new location will be near the quarter chute. Much of he ground work for that is complete and construction on the new building will get underway. Along with the relocation comes a new circulating road that will connect the entrance to the existing backstretch.
On Thursday, Dec. 16 the Minnesota Racing Commission is expected to approve Canterbury’s application for 2024 race dates. A stakes schedule is being developed and will be announced early in the new year along with the structure of race conditions for the meet. A trainer participation and incentive bonus program is also nearing finalization
