Reiswig’s Horses Making Presence Felt
BY JIM WELLS You can phrase it several ways…drought, dry spell, slump, but regardless of the nomenclature there is an unmistakable feeling when it changes. Relief Followed sometimes by joy, maybe even elation. “I feel like I just broke my maiden a second time,” said winning rider Josh Romero. “It’s been three weeks since I’ve […]
Canadian Connection
By Noah Joseph Over the last hundred years, Canada has played a major role in the history of thoroughbred racing. From having the oldest continuously run stakes race in North America in the Queen’s Plate to being the home of the legendary Northern Dancer, and even hosting the Breeders’ Cup in 1996. Canada’s influence can […]
I’m New Here —-Sloppy, Muddy, Good. What’s it all mean?
This highly anticipated return of ‘I’m New Here’ features Mari learning about the various terms used to describe track conditions in horse racing. If you missed the first segment of this popular series, watch it HERE. https://youtu.be/X1ChbuunLdk
Born to Race
By Mari Ballinger How many years have you been at Canterbury Park? “Too many,” jockey Patrick Canchari joked. Canchari has been around Canterbury Park since he was a young boy. With a grandpa who owned horses and a father who owned, trained and rode horses, Canchari knew his calling was at the track. A childhood […]
The Quarter Horses Put On A Show
BY JIM WELLS Quite the show, a spectacle worthy of an Olde English village carnival, replete with jesters, magicians, troubadours and, of course, horse racing. If not exactly analogous, then the afternoon of quarter horse racing Sunday is as close as it comes, each race with its own singular story, highlight or incident to make […]
Robertson Sweeps State-Bred Stakes
By JIM WELLS The owner of Honey’s Sox Appeal visits the barn where she and two of her relatives reside for now, two and sometimes three times a day. It is fortunate that he lives a mere six miles of congestion free-highway from the stable area. Sometimes he is there after most of the equine […]
Five-Day Race Week at Canterbury Park Begins July 3
Fireworks light up the Shakopee sky following races July 3 and 4 Canterbury Park kicks off a five-day week of racing that begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 with two stakes races and a fireworks display following the11th race, and concludes Sunday, July 7 with 10 quarter horse races including seven stakes, with a […]
Jockeys’ Weight, Leverage Decline
BY JIM WELLS What has become increasingly more evident as the current racing meet progresses is that jockeys can’t throw their weight around this summer. Not like they used to, anyway. Not even talented, veteran riders can take anything for granted. An accomplished jock can’t lock up a barn, make it an exclusive source of […]
Another Esqueda Joins Jockey Colony
BY JIM WELLS His throat and mouth were so dry that he could barely spit. His stomach acted as if he were on the Wild Thing across the way at Valley Fair, and the muscles in his arms and legs were in knots. “I couldn’t even move in the paddock,” he said. “I couldn’t believe […]
I’m New Here…….the Series Begins
A new video series is underway, hosted by Dark Star Press Box intern Mari, with the mission of explaining those things that may be matter-of-fact to racetrack regulars but are a mystery to those new to the sport. The first installment addresses the turf rail. if you are new and have questions that need to […]