Canterbury Park Picks, Entries and Results

Canterbury Park Track Details

Address: 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee, MN 55379

Website: www.canterburypark.com

Meeting: Canterbury Park runs a mixed meet for thoroughbreds and quarter horses that consists of about 70 racing days from early May to mid-September, generally conducting its race programs on a Thursday to Sunday schedule. Its marquee race is the $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby for 3-year-old turf horses, which is accompanied on the same card by the $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile and the $100,000 Lady Canterbury. The track also hosts many stakes for Minnesota-breds, ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Canterbury is also notable for putting on unusual races, including Corgi races, Weiner Dog races, and Bulldog races.

History: Canterbury Park, originally Canterbury Downs, was founded by Walter Brooks Fields, Jr. and other investors after the state of Minnesota legalized parimutuel wagering on horse racing in 1982. The Shakopee, MN track was the first granted a license in the state and opened on June 26, 1985. The early 1990’s were a turbulent time for the track and it changed hands a few times as it struggled to find its footing. Canterbury was acquired in 1994 by Randy Sampson, who along with his family was able to revitalize the track. In 1999, the Minnesota legislature authorized a card room with poker tables at Canterbury. In June 2012, Canterbury Park and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, owners and operators of Mystic Lake Casino, announced a 10-year cooperative marketing and purse enhancement agreement that will add $75 million to horsemen purses over the life of the agreement.

Facilities: Canterbury’s features a one-mile dirt main track and a seven-furlong turf course, which is traditional at American racetracks. Outside seating is available along with several indoor seating options. The track runs multiple food stands and bars throughout the building. It also has a card club with poker tables, and hosts a two-week series of poker tournaments each fall.