It had not happened before in 24 seasons of Canterbury Park racing: a tie for the leading trainer title. When the 2018 meet concluded, trainer Mac Robertson and Robertino Diodoro had each won 57 races. Mac notched his 12th title and Robertino his third.
Mac was top trainer for nine seasons from 2005 to 2013. Robertino earned the honor the next two, followed by two more for Robertson. Then came last year’s dead heat where combined, their charges won nearly $2.7 million in purses or 20 percent of the total thoroughbred purses paid during the 69-day season, while accounting for 11 percent of the total thoroughbred starters.
Expect both trainers to have full barns and well-rounded stables with horses fitting many conditions as Canterbury begins its 25th year. Robertson has for years trained many of the best Minnesota bred runners and will return with several familiar names like A P Is Loose and Hot Shot Kid. Robertino arrives off a very successful Oaklawn Park meet and also won the Turf Paradise training title. Both will be involved in the 2019 leading trainer conversation.
