2021 DATES APPROVED

Rochester, MN – Today the Minnesota Racing Commission approved the 2021 date request from Canterbury Park.

The 65-day 2021 thoroughbred and quarter horse racing season, May 18 through Sept. 16, was unanimously approved Thursday by the Minnesota Racing Commission. The Shakopee, Minn. track will conduct a Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule with racing also on Memorial Day and Labor Day as well as Saturday, July 3. Purses are anticipated to be approximately $14 million, at approximately $220,000 per day, a projected increase of more than 35% in total and 12% per day as compared to 2020. The season is the 8th under the 10-year, $80 million cooperative marketing agreement with the Mdewakanton Sioux Community, proprietors of Mystic Lake and Little Six Casinos.

Post time on Sundays and holidays will be 1:00 p.m. while weekday racing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday racing will begin at 5:00 p.m. On July 3 racing will begin at 4:00 p.m. The 2021 thoroughbred and quarter horse stakes schedules are expected to be announced in January with stall applications and the first condition book available shortly thereafter.

LUIS CANCHARI PASSES AT 64

Longtime Canterbury trainer Luis Canchari passed away earlier this week. Luis was always kind, considerate and very passionate about his work but, especially, his family. The pride shone in his eyes whenever he spoke of his wife or children and you could always tell that the love was deeply reciprocated. Our love and support go out to the entire Canchari family at this time.

The full obituary from Legacy.com is here:

Luis Canchari, age 64, of Shakopee Survived by wife, Ann; daughter and sons, Ashley, Patrick, Alexander and Steven; grandchildren, Novaley and Leon; mother, Felicitas; sister, Ana Siu Canchari; brother, Javier; many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Preceded by father, Esteban; and 2 brothers. Visitation Thursday, 12/17, from 5-8 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral Home, 1220 3rd Ave. E., Shakopee, 952-445-2755. Visitation will also be Friday from 9:30-10:30 AM at the funeral home, followed by Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 11:00 AM at Church of St. Mark, 350 Atwood St. S., Shakopee. A link to the livestream can be found at the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, family prefers memorials.

Daughter Ashley, who has kept Luis large group of family and friends around the world appraised of both his and brother Patrick’s condition, posted some guidelines on her Facebook page as well:

“You will be able to come, pay your respects, watch the short slideshow of photos, take a keepsake, and leave. This will be a continuous line. Only immediate family (my mom, brothers, and my daughter) are able to stay for a long duration of time because we are complying with covid restrictions. *Do NOT come if you are sick. *Masks required. No exceptions.

“Mass at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Shakopee, Friday 12/18 at 11:00am*Mass will be said in both English and Spanish*Mass will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in-person *Church can accommodate up to 200 people maximum in keeping in compliance with social distancing and covid restrictions. *Do NOT come if you are sick. *Masks required. No exceptions. *Feel free to wear red or black.”

If you would like to help Ann Canchari through this awful time of the loss of her husband and nearly fatal injuries to her son, please check the following page:

Fundraiser by Ashley Anne : Make Ann Smile (gofundme.com)