Canterbury Park, a renowned racing venue, has recently submitted a request for a 51-day thoroughbred and quarter horse meet in 2025. This marks a decrease from the 54 days witnessed in 2024. The track's decision was announced in a statement on Wednesday, with the request now set to be considered during the Minnesota Racing Commission's December meeting.

Experience the Evolution of Canterbury Park's Racing Season

Racing Schedule Details

The 2025 season is slated to run from May 24 through September 20. The majority of racing will take place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the starting times are set at 5 p.m., while on Sundays, it begins at 1 p.m. Additionally, Thursday racing is proposed for six specific dates: July 3, 10, and 24, August 7 and 21, and September 18, with a starting time of 5 p.m. A nine-day break from racing, from July 14 to July 22, is also part of the proposed calendar. This 2025 racing calendar commences a week later than that of 2024 and concludes a week earlier.This revised schedule is designed to offer multiple opportunities for horses to enter and compete. It takes into account the well-being of the horse population while also aiming to provide an engaging racing experience for enthusiasts. The different starting times on various days ensure that there is a continuous flow of action throughout the week.

Impact on Betting and Field Sizes

Company President Randy Sampson emphasized the significance of the proposed calendar. He stated that it works well for the horse population and provides multiple entry and racing opportunities. The 2024 meet witnessed a 13 percent increase in betting handle and a 13 percent increase in thoroughbred field size compared to 2023. This growth indicates the popularity and potential of Canterbury Park's races.However, Canterbury Park has faced challenges due to the expiration in December 2022 of a decade-long deal with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. This led to a significant drop in the purse fund in 2023 and subsequently reduced betting interest due to smaller race fields. The proposed 2025 calendar aims to build on the success of the previous season while addressing these issues and attracting more bettors and participants.The track's efforts to optimize the racing schedule and manage the challenges demonstrate its commitment to the sport and its stakeholders. By carefully considering the needs of the horses and the interests of the racing community, Canterbury Park is poised to continue its growth and success in the years to come.