All posts by Ted Grevelis

Iowa TOBA Soliciting Seasons for Stallion Auction; Canterbury Officials Comment on 2026 Dates

Altoona, IA – The Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (ITBOA) invites stallion owners and farms across the country to participate in the 2025 ITBOA Stallion Auction, opening December 9–15, 2025, hosted online at Thoroughlybred.com.

By donating a breeding season, stallion owners have the opportunity to receive up to $15,000 through the ITBOA Stallion Incentive Bonus Program.

All foals conceived from donated seasons and born in 2027, regardless of where they’re foaled, are eligible to nominate to the 2029 ITBOA Stallion Futurity for two-year-olds and the 2030 Stallion Stakes for three-year-olds.

“There’s truly no other program like it,” said ITBOA Executive Director Brandi Jo Fett. “This auction rewards both breeders and stallion owners, and ALL monies raised fund three Stallion Stakes races.

Stallion farms can submit donation forms and photos online at

Email completed forms to ITBOA@msn.com by November 25th to be included in advertising. Donations will be accepted until the day of the auction.

CANTERBURY PURSES TO REMAIN UNCHANGED; THURSDAYS TO BE PRIMARY WEEKDAY

Shakopee, MN – Canterbury Park has submitted a request to the Minnesota Racing Commission for a 51-day thoroughbred and quarter horse season that would run from Saturday, May 23 through Saturday, Sept. 19. The 2026 racing calendar offers the same number of race days as 2025. Racing would be conducted primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays at 5 p.m. central and Sundays and holidays at 1 p.m. 

Additional race dates include Monday, May 25, Friday, July 3 and Wednesdays, July 22 and Sept. 16. A nine-day break is also proposed from July 13 to 21.

In 2025, Wednesday was the predominant weeknight but Thursday was chosen for the coming season to maximize on-track attendance and group catering opportunities. Canterbury’s July 3 program will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.

“Maintaining this racing calendar allows Canterbury to attract horses from other meets that have traditionally filled our stalls, primarily tracks in the Midwest and Southwest,” Senior Manager of Racing Operations Amber Carlisle said. “Accommodating those trainers and racehorse owners that have supported Minnesota racing is important to our success but we are also optimistic that we can attract new stables and trainers that recognize the racing opportunities for horses of all class levels on both turf and dirt.”

Last season 45 percent of all races were carded for the turf course. Purses are expected to remain consistent with the 2025 season.

The stakes schedule will be released early in the new year. The first condition book will be available in late February with stall applications due in mid-April. The stable area, which accommodates 1,070 horses, will open for arrivals in early May.

The Minnesota Racing Commission is expected to consider Canterbury Park’s request at its November 20 meeting.