Trailers carrying racehorses began pulling through the stable gate at Canterbury Park on May 9, primarily arriving from Phoenix. But soon stables from other areas such as Hot Springs, Arkansas will make their way north.
It is a slow arrival process and there now are 267 horses in stalls with more arriving daily. Joel Berndt, who wintered at Delta Downs in Louisiana, was busy today getting stalls set up as horses continued to arrive. “I’ve got a load that is 20 minutes away,” Berndt said at noon. “It’s good to be back. Good to see things getting started.” Berndt, always thoughtful with his replies, is well aware of the struggles for many caused by the pandemic and the losses both personal and economic afflicted on fellow horsemen and the population at large. He is ready to get back to racing.
Others with horses onsite include Clay Brinson and David Van Winkle, the first to enter the grounds. Valorie Lund has her Phoenix contingent here with the Oaklawn string to arrive shortly. Sandra Sweere, Miguel Silva, Wade Rarick and Stephanie Herb also are here. Jose Silva, Jr. is expected tomorrow.
Kerri Raven, who most recently raced at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, has a stable at Canterbury. Robertino Diodoro will have trailers arriving by the end of the week.
The condition book should be released in a few days and the main track is scheduled to open May 27. “Many trainers are waiting to ship until the main track opens,” Stall Superintendent Andrew Vold said. “It will start to get very busy very soon.” Training on the training track continues each day except Mondays.
Jockeys are a major part of the racing equation and each year brings change. It was learned today that agent Pete Antonucci will represent Ry Eikleberry once again but will also have the book of Jareth Loveberry. Antonucci has parted ways, after 12 years and five riding titles, with Dean Butler. Former jockey Chad Anderson will now represent Butler along with Francisco Arrieta.
Loveberry was injured March 17 during training hours at Oaklawn. “I just got legged up,” he
said “and the filly flipped over. I pushed away from her so she did not land completely on me.” Just enough to break his pelvis in two places and sideline Loveberry following a week where he won five races at the rich Oaklawn meet.
“I just got cleared to ride yesterday and began breezing horses,” Loveberry said. He has been running and getting fit, promising to be ready to go come June 10.
