SHAKOPEE, MN – Canterbury Park submitted their 2023 date request to the Minnesota Racing Commission this week. Some of the highlights include:
- $200,000 a day in purse money – roughly the same as 2022 ($245,552);
- 11 fewer racing dates (54 days) than 2022;
- Opening day will be Saturday, May 27;
- Three days a week of racing (W, Sa, S) until July when Thursday evenings will added until mid-August
- Closing day will be Saturday, September 16
Amber Carlisle, Racing Operations Manager, said in a video released on the Canterbury YouTube Channel that the later opening date is to allow for the completion of the many projects currently underway such as the reconfiguration of the training track, a new lighting system, demolition of some barns, raising new barns as well as converting the receiving barn into additional stall space.
Also returning next season will be Memorial Day and Labor Day racing. Sunday and holiday Monday post times will be at 1 PM with all other days until September 9th starting at 5 PM. The last three race days of the meet racing will begin at 4 PM to allow for more daylight to run turf races.
By statute, the racetrack is required to submit their request for 2023 days on or before November 15. Canterbury worked closely with the Minnesota HBPA to pick the best dates for both the expected horse population throughout the season and business levels while maintaining a daily purse distribution of approximately $200,000.
After a one-year hiatus, thoroughbred racing will return to Chicago with Hawthorne Race Course running from March until September with Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday cards through June, July and August. Prairie Meadows will also run their traditional summer meet and Nebraska tracks are looking to slightly expand their race days as racinos come on-line there.
Because of the date the request is needed by the Commission, the proposed dates reflect the possibility that there is no extension or new joint marketing agreement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Talks between both parties are continuing. The 10-year agreement officially ends at midnight, December 31.
The request now goes to the Commission for consideration at their December meeting. After approval, expect the stakes schedule and condition book to be released in early 2023.
