CANTERBURY PRESS RELEASE
Shakopee, Minn. — Canterbury Park racing officials today announced their intention to continue an incentive program that will reward owners of thoroughbreds arriving ready to run when the meet begins. A $700 bonus will be paid to the owner of any thoroughbred participating in an overnight race from May 27 through June 11. This bonus is in addition to any purse money earned and is not limited to a single payment during that period.
The bonuses are made possible with the cooperation of the Minnesota HBPA, the organization which represents race horse owners, trainers and their employees. A travel loan program will again be offered to assist with the up-front expenses of shipping a stable to the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack. Each of these programs were offered the past two race meets.
“The starter incentive program has achieved its goal, allowing us to begin the past two seasons with solid average field size while rewarding those owners that send horses ready to race,” Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson said. “I look forward to another positive start to the meet as we offer both turf and dirt racing with large, competitive fields and great wagering opportunities.”
Canterbury Park will also continue guaranteed purse payments during the entire season tiered by the purse value of each race. Every starter in all races will be guaranteed the following minimum payments with the intent of providing purse money to cover a greater percentage of the cost to start a horse.
Purse Level Guaranteed Purse Earnings
Up to $14,999 $175
$15,000 – $29,999 $250
$30,000 – $49,999 $400
$50,000 – $99,999 $650
$100,000 and Up $1,250
Shipping Loan Applications will be due with stall applications on April 13. Applications will be reviewed by the stall application committee with up to $25,000 per owner, or a maximum of $1,500 per horse, to assist in covering the cost of horse transportation. The loan will be repaid through an agreement between the successful applicant and Canterbury Park. All information, full conditions and loan applications specific to these programs and stall application, can be found at www.canterburypark.com/horsemen.
The first condition book will be released Feb. 14. Canterbury’s 54-day season runs from May 27 through Sept. 16.
