SHAKOPEE, MN – Canterbury Park has announced a $25,000 trainer incentive program for the Northern Stars Racing Festival to be held in conjunction with Jockey and Jeans Day on June 23rd.

Trainers of horses entered that day will receive points for entering and running horses as well as bonus points for where their horses finish in the major stakes on the card: $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby, $100,000 Lady Canterbury, $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile, $50,000 Dark Star Cup and $50,000 Hoist Her Flag Stakes.

“It’s Canterbury Park’s hope to build a strong, competitive race card and use the Mystic Lake Northern Stars Racing Festival to draw attention to both Canterbury Park and Jockeys and Jeans,” said Senior Director of Racing Andrew Offerman.

Trainers will be awarded a single point for each starter on the day’s card, but two points for each entry in the five stakes races.

Bonus points will be awarded for the top finishers in each race as follows: 10 for the winner, 7 for second, 5 for third, 3 for fourth and 1 for fifth.  At the end of the day the top 10 trainers with the most points will split the prize pool of $25,000.  The winning trainer will receive $10,000.  The rest of the scoring trainers will receive $5,000 for 2nd, $2,500 for 3rd, $1,500 for 4th and 5th-10th will receive $1,000.  Should there be any ties, the trainers will split the payouts.

“In our estimation, and after consulting with the Minnesota HBPA, providing an incentive that gives a chance for both local trainers and trainers throughout the country to target this race card will only help improve its visibility and prominence throughout the country,” said Offerman.