SHAKOPEE, MN – As the Canterbury Park season winds to a close, there is some drama still left in the standings, but that can’t be said for the jockeys where Harry Hernandez has led from gate to wire.
Heading into the final two days of the meet, Hernandez has 66 wins on the season, up 23 wins on second place rider Alonso Quinonez. Hernandez’ mounts have won over $1,000,000 on the season and his best day of the meet came on Minnesota racing’s biggest day when he won four races on Festival of Champions night.
While not quite salted away, it’s going to be hard for Mac Robertson to wrest the training title from Jose Silva Jr. with the latter having a seven-win lead, 31-24.
Several trainers new to Canterbury Park have had solid seasons with Esteban Martinez, Santiago Tranquillino and Canterbury Hall of Famer Nik Goodwin, a Minnesota native, all putting their stamp on the summer.
The leading owner title is where things start to get interesting. The top six are separated by only three wins.
Leading the group heading into the final days are Jose Silva Jr and recent Canterbury Hall of Fame inductee Joe Novogratz with 11 each. Only one more than Silva client, Kirk Sutherland.
Pete Mattson and Tim Padilla has partnered for 9 wins while Mattson has 8 on his own. If they were combined, Mattson would be running away with the title with most of the horses he runs being homebreds as well, showcasing his success as a breeder. Johnny Taboada and Thunder Stride Racing are also in the mix.
Several horses have had outstanding seasons with Lemon Meringue and Prince Rama notching four wins each, but Sushi Man and Thunders Rocknroll have six wins and five stakes’ placings between them. Sushi Man is also the leading money earner on the grounds, banking $104,800 this summer. Two year old, How Bout That Curt, was two for three this season including an impressive win in the Northern Lights Futurity.
Thursday and Saturday evening racing will begin at 4 PM and features 1/2 priced admission, $5 large tap beers, large popcorn, & pretzels, jockey meet and greets and live music performances by Sugar Buzz on the outdoor stage.
