Minnesota Festival of Champions
by Jim Wells [Canterbury Park Hall of Famer and historian Jim Wells passed away last fall. He wrote countless stories about racing for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and later for CanterburyLive. This story by Jim, published a decade ago, recounts the efforts of those that were determined to keep horse racing alive in Minnesota.] […]
Ray’s Angel Earns A Place In The Stakes
This spring Cameron Mahlum, managing partner for North Star Stable, breeders and owners of Ray’s Angel, did not see their homebred 5-year-old by the sire Kela as an entrant in Wednesday’s $100,000 Crocrock Minnesota Sprint Championship, one of eight stakes in the annual Minnesota Festival of Champions. “No. Not when you’re in the same foal […]
27th Minnesota Festival Of Champions Wednesday At Canterbury Park
Richest night of the meet with $737,600 in stakes purses begins at 4:10 p.m. What began in 1992 as a show of strength and final act of defiance, the Minnesota Festival of Champions, with its 27th running Wednesday evening, remains a staple on the Canterbury Park schedule and a continuing reminder that horse racing in […]
Julio Avila Is Minnesota HBPA Groom of the Week
Congratulations to the Minnesota HBPA Groom of the Week Julio Avila. Julio works for the Carlos Moreno stable. Among other duties, Julio takes care of three very productive horses: Coco Loco Mama, I’m an Eight and Keller’s Gold. They’ve accounted for five victories and close to $50,000 in earnings. When asked about Julio, trainer Carlos […]
The Derby Has Soule
You’ve seen him around Canterbury during a live racing day. Or if you haven’t seen him, you’ve seen his work. He’s Ryan Soule. He’s worked here as the finish line and paddock camera operator for 15 years. He provides that exciting finish line video you watch while the photo is being deciphered. Ryan’s year-round job […]
27th Minnesota Festival of Champions September 9
Entries will be taken tomorrow for the Sept. 9 Minnesota Festival of Champions, an evening of racing restricted to horses bred in the state that will be conducted for the 27th time. Its origin dates back to 1992 when Ladbroke, owners of Canterbury Downs, had given up on racing in Minnesota. Racehorse owners, trainers and […]
Bodenheimer Pointed To Kentucky Downs; Mr. Jagermeister Out Of Festival
The undefeated 2-year-old colt from the Valorie Lund barn Bodenheimer will be headed to Kentucky Downs to race Sept. 12 in the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Juvenile Turf Sprint at 6 1/2 furlongs. The race drew 48 nominations with Bodenheimer one of the 12 top earners which would secure a spot in the starting gate. The […]
Canterbury Park Offers Advance Wagering On Kentucky Derby
Advance betting begins Thursday with Sept. 5 Derby Day capacity limited on track In a sports world turned upside down this spring by the corona virus pandemic, thoroughbred horse racing continued on but even the Kentucky Derby could not escape postponement and will be run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, Sept. 5 […]
Kelsi Harr Says Goodbye To The Bug
Kelsi Harr‘s first mount was her first win. It came at Canterbury Park on June 17, 2018 aboard Bandit Point. It was Father’s Day. “It was a very special moment,” Harr said then. “My dad was here cheering me on and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to kick off my riding career.” […]
Free To Enter Handicapping Contest Saturday
The Road to Kentucky Handicapping Contest continues Saturday. There is no fee to enter. Prize money is paid to the top four players based on scores determined by the Win-Place-Show payouts of selections in each race at Saratoga. In addition, the top two players earn an entry to the Grand Prize contest which will award […]