from a Minnesota Racing Commission news release:
New Health and Safety Protocols Established for Sale
The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association will host its annual MTA Yearling Sale on Sunday, August 30 beginning at 3pm at Canterbury Park’s Expo Center in Shakopee, MN.
Previews of the 51 Minnesota-bred yearlings will begin Saturday, August 29 from 6pm to 9pm and take place on Sunday from 10am to 3pm in the Canterbury Park Receiving Barn.
In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, special sale protocols are being established and a list of procedures will be made available soon.
“The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association will be following all protocols established by Canterbury Park, the Minnesota Racing Commission and the State of Minnesota to keep consignors and buyers as safe as possible,” said Kay King, Executive Director of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Association.
The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association is asking potential buyers interested in bidding to establish a relationship with an agent to bid on their behalf. The MTA can also provide the name of a bloodstock agent if needed. “We will likely be requiring appointments to view the horses and reservations to bid on the horses,” King explained. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate the uncharted territory of our 2020 Yearling Sale,” she added.
Several MTA Sale graduates have notable racing careers. Ready to Runaway by First Dude, was purchased at the 2017 sale for $4,000 and has earned more than $260,000. Firstmate, by Midshipman, was purchased at the 2016 sale and has collected more than $220,000.
Phillip Pierceall, of Swing City Auctions, will return as the sale’s auctioneer and Canterbury Park’s Racing Analyst Brian Arrigoni will read pedigrees.
For updated sale procedures and for a full catalog of entries visit: http://minnesotabred.com/. Authorized Agent forms are available in the print catalog and by calling the MTA Office at 942-233-4802.
About the Minnesota Racing Commission
The Minnesota Racing Commission operates in the public interest to ensure the integrity of horse racing and card playing, to oversee the proper distribution of funds back into the industry, and to provide for the safety and welfare of the human and equine participants. The Commission works to promote the horse racing and breeding industry in Minnesota in order to provide economic stimulus, offer residents and visitors an exciting entertainment option, and support agriculture and rural agribusiness. Visit www.mrc.state.mn.us for more information.
