SHAKOPEE, MN – Opening weekend at Canterbury Park unofficially kicks off summer for Minnesotans and over 7000 thousand racing fans filled the Park to celebrate the return of the summer staple. The total for the three-day opening weekend was over 20,000.
Though field size was a bit of a concern, wagering on opening night was robust with all sources handle hitting $1.2 million with over a million wagered on Sunday and $2.8 million for the holiday weekend.
Newcomer Manuel Americano, leading rider at Turf Paradise this last meet, announced his presence by winning four races on the opening night card and six over the course of the weekend. Another newcomer, Jose Riquelme, picked up two wins on his first Canterbury card while Canterbury veteran Eduardo Gallardo showed the newbies that there is some talent right here already, winning five over the weekend
Trainer’s Mac Robertson and Coty Rosin both notched four wins over the weekend while Lynn Rarick clearly shipped in from Tampa Bay Downs ready to roll had three wins of her own. Last year’s leading trainer, Jose Silva Jr. kept everyone in sight with two wins.
Novogratz Racing scored with four of six starters winning while John Mentz won two and hit the board with half of his starters. Mentz picked up another win with partners Hugh Robertson and Jeff Larson.
The largest mutuel opening weekend was Angel’s Magic opening night, paying $32 for a $2 win wager. Trained by local stalwart Troy Bethke and ridden by Riquelme, the 7-year old gelding stalked the early pace and powered past heavily favored Hot Legs Romolo in the stretch to draw off by 3 ¾ lengths for owner Carin Offerman.
Unfortunately on Tuesday, a shooting at Canterbury marred the prayer service for Eid al-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice in a group that rented the track’s Expo Center. The track issued the following statement:
Shakopee, MN – Law enforcement officials are investigating a homicide that occurred earlier today just outside of the Canterbury Park Event Center.
Shakopee police officers responded to the incident at approximately 10:00am. Both the shooter and the victim were part of a client-hosted event taking place in the Event Center. Upon arrival, emergency personnel located an individual with injuries consistent with a shooting who was immediately transferred to HCMC.
Shakopee PD quickly assessed the situation and determined there was no additional threat to public safety.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the victim and his loved ones.
The Canterbury Park Casino remains open for business and live racing will resume as planned this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Post time on Saturday is 5 PM and Sunday is 1 PM.
