Category Archives: Photo Essays

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PHOTO ESSAY: May at Canterbury

Canterbury Park, Minnesota, Photo Essays, ,

SHAKOPEE, MN – As Canterbury moves to four days a week of racing tonight to open the month of June with the tremendously popular “Buck Night” promotion, we’re going to take a peek back at what May offered to Minnesota racing fans.

Off and racing for the 2015 season
Off and racing for the 2015 season

Horses and racing seem to just lend themselves to opportunities for art, beauty and perspective.

The feet that carry the swift.
The feet that carry the swift.
Leading jockey Dean Butler getting loaded into the gate
Leading jockey Dean Butler getting loaded into the gate
They're off in the 3rd at Canterbury on Memorial Day.
They’re off in the 3rd at Canterbury on Memorial Day.
Braiding...hoping to look good for a win photo.
Braiding…hoping to look good for a win photo.

 

 

Another braid job. This guy DID take a win photo - Tens Wild.
Another braid job. This guy DID take a win photo – Tens Wild.

Then there were the first stakes champions of the season.

Polar Plunge, inside, holds off Somerset Swinger, outside, to take the Lady Slipper for the first stakes win of the new season
Polar Plunge, inside, holds off Somerset Swinger, outside, to take the Lady Slipper for the first stakes win of the new season
Bourbon County cruising to victory in the 10,000 Lakes
Bourbon County cruising to victory in the 10,000 Lakes
El Seventyseven powers home in the stretch of the Honor the Hero Stakes
El Seventyseven powers home in the stretch of the Honor the Hero Stakes

The people came out in droves and there were some anxious moments for Jockeys and fans alike!

Nearly 7,000 out for the opener - on the apron and cheering for their favorites
Nearly 7,000 out for the opener – on the apron and cheering for their favorites
Jockey Denny Velazquez awaiting the results of the inquiry
Jockey Denny Velazquez awaiting the results of the inquiry

Memorial Day brought racing but also the annual remembrance of those who gave their all for their country.

The pipe and drum corps lead the procession into the winners' circle.
The pipe and drum corps lead the procession into the winners’ circle.
WWII veteran leads the ceremony.
WWII veteran Stan Kowalski leads the ceremony.

 

Presentation of the colors by the USMC
Presentation of the colors by the USMC

A new tradition at Canterbury to signal the opening of summer over Memorial Day weekend is the “Running of the Bulldogs”

A pair tear off toward the finish line in a Running of the Bulldogs heat.
A pair tear off toward the finish line in a Running of the Bulldogs heat.
The track may have been sloppy, but this guy is just skimming over it!
The track may have been sloppy, but this guy is just skimming over it!

And, of course, there was plenty of racing action.

Turning for home over the dirt.
Turning for home over the dirt…
And turf.
And firing out of the chute on the turf.

And trainer sightings.

Robertino Diodoro (L) and Carl O'Callaghan watching a replay from the apron.
Robertino Diodoro (L) and Carl O’Callaghan watching a replay from the apron.
Luis Canchari after saddling his charge
Luis Canchari after saddling his charge
Bernell Rhone waiting to be interviewed after taking the first stakes race of the season, the 10,000 Lakes
Bernell Rhone waiting to be interviewed after taking the first stakes race of the season, the 10,000 Lakes
Clay Brinson leaving the paddock.
Clay Brinson leaving the paddock.
Gary Scherer leading his entry in the paddock.
Gary Scherer leading his entry in the paddock.

And jockeys.

Leandro Goncalves is all smiles after winning the Honor the Hero aboard El Seventyseven.
Leandro Goncalves is all smiles after winning the Honor the Hero aboard El Seventyseven.
Dean Butler making some last minute adjustments.
Dean Butler making some last minute adjustments.

And the unsung heroes behind the scenes.

Gate crew member taking a well deserved break before...
Gate crew member taking a well deserved break before…
...loading the next group back up.
…loading the next group back up.
And the outriders, there in case anything goes haywire.
And the outriders, there in case anything goes haywire.

There was plenty for everyone the first month of the season at Canterbury Park – and around the region – and we’re looking forward to what the summer will bring now that it is kicking into gear and bringing it to you in words and pictures.