ROCHESTER, MN – In his COVID-19 briefing on Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the opening of more businesses in a limited fashion including outdoor entertainment venues like sporting events.  These venues would include Canterbury Park and Running Aces, scheduled to open June 10 and June 20, respectively.  Outdoor sporting complexes will have a limitation of 25% occupancy. Canterbury will be limiting admission to 250 people to start (invitation only for this Wednesday and Thursday and limited to the 3rd level) and could expand from there as they get clarity on just how many pods of 250 they can have at the indoor/outdoor facility.

The move came as a complete suprise to Canterbury officials but they worked all weekend putting together guidelines for reopening with some owners and fans in attendance.

The Minnesota HBPA published these guidelines for the first two days of racing, June 10 and 11, on their Facebook page:

Any owner looking to attend the races at Canterbury Park can expect the following guidelines to be in place on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11.

1) Who can attend the races?

· Any licensed owner with a horse entered on the day’s race card can attend the races.

· No guests, family members or children will be able to attend in order to remain within the 250 person limit on track level.

2) What does an owner need to do to attend the races?

· Upon arrival at Canterbury Park, an owner with a horse running will receive a health screening to enter the property. Owners shall enter the property in the new entrance adjacent to the Card Casino. The grandstand entrance will be closed.

· Owners will have their identification verified against a pre-approved list of horse owners with horses on the day’s card and will be given a wristband that must be worn at all times while on Canterbury Park property.

· Owners, although not required to wear masks throughout the duration of their time at the facility, must have a mask with them for use in any areas of close contact and must have their mask on during their access screening and while in the walking ring or paddock.

3) Where can an owner be located when attending Canterbury Park?

· Owners will be restricted to the walking ring/paddock, track apron and a dedicated walkway between the two areas of the building.

· Owners can access the Bookkeeper’s Office which has been relocated to the Gift Shop. Canterbury Park requests they utilize our new ACH transfer option to limit the number of physical checks being passed back and forth.

· Limited facilities will be available within these spaces for the use of owners during their visit.

4) How long can an owner stay while at Canterbury Park?

· Canterbury Park encourages owners to minimize the duration of their stay in efforts to ensure the area stays below its cap of 250 individuals at all times.

Canterbury has also put together guidelines for walk up betting at the facility.  While not a perfect solution, it will allow local fans to go ahead and make wagers on the evening card prior to first post.

Betting guidelines are as follows:

There will be self service wagering machines set up near the grandstand entrance for patrons (the ticket office building).

There will also be WiFi access to the on-site only “Bet Canterbury” website.

There will be social distancing measures in place and patrons are asked to wear masks.

Wagering will open at 11:30 AM each day and until the end of live racing.

Simulcasting wagering WILL be available on racing days as well as through the weekend starting at 10:30 AM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday until the last race at Santa Anita.

There will be a cashout window available.

After this week’s limited operation on Wednesday and Thursday, operations will be evaluated and adjustments could be warranted.

Past performances for the first two racing days are available.  First post is 4:30 PM both Wednesday and Thursday.