54-day meet, May 18 – Sept. 28, will offer increased purses, revised conditions and new starter incentive.
Canterbury Park racing officials today made available the first condition book, listing races planned for the first 11 days of the 54-day season that will run May 18 through Sept. 28. Per-race overnight purse payments have increased on average by 10 percent for both thoroughbred and quarter horse races. More than $10 million in purse money is expected to be awarded during the meet with thoroughbred purses averaging $23,000 per race and quarter horse purses $15,000.
“We’re expecting a successful meet and are extremely excited about our racing program that will feature a 10 percent average increase in overnight purses, a new pre-paid starter incentive, enhanced racing condition format, and ultimately a new 7-furlong racing option,” racing operations manager Amber Carlisle said.
Following the 2023 meet, a condition book committee comprised of representatives of Canterbury Park and the Minnesota HBPA, which represents owners and trainers participating at the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack, recommended fewer race conditions and revised claiming levels. For example, the open-company maiden claiming level will begin at $7,500 rather than $5,000 and offer a purse of $12,500. Open-company maiden special weight races will have a $29,000 purse.
“Reducing the number of conditions offered will help increase average field size, which typically increases the amount of money wagered. That directly impacts purses for our horsepeople,” Carlisle said. “Working closely with the Minnesota HBPA to revise our conditions will make sure every horse on the grounds will have opportunity to race.”
Canterbury Park cards races at several distances and conditions on both dirt and turf.
“We intend to again maximize utilization of our turf course,” Carlisle said. “Turf racing has always been one of our greatest assets.” Last season, 42 percent of all Canterbury’s thoroughbred races were run on the turf course.
Offered in the coming season will be a new race distance. Track officials received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission earlier this month to begin modification of the main track to accommodate a racing distance of seven furlongs. A new chute will be located near the 7/8ths pole, adjacent to the clubhouse turn. Seven-furlong races are expected to be offered in subsequent condition books.
The stall application and condition book are available online along with the recently announced Pre-Paid Starter Incentive fact sheet and application at . Trainers applying for the pre-paid starter incentive may be eligible for bonuses up to $37,500 depending on horses and shipping location. Both applications are due April 2.
