SHAKOPEE, MN – Racing in Minnesota has only one more hurdle to clear and that hurdle nearly dropped to the ground during Governor Tim Walz press conference when he signaled the go ahead to race without fans for Canterbury Park and Running Aces.
“Today Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-63, which among other things outlines the opening of Minnesota’s two pari-mutuel racetracks for live horse racing under strict public health guidelines,” said Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director Steve May. “The Minnesota Racing Commission has scheduled a June 8, 2020 administrative hearing and commission meeting to reassign the race dates for 2020 for both facilities. All parties are confident that racing will resume June 10, 2020 at Canterbury Park and June 20, 2020 at Running Aces Casino and Racetrack.”
In the Governor’s executive order 20-63 (attached below), section 7(c)(x) states:
“Class A and B licensed racetracks, subject to regulation by the Minnesota Racing Commission, may open their licensed facilities for the running of regulated horse races on which legal pari-mutuel wagering is allowed. Other commercial racetracks may open their facilities to run auto, motorcycle, or other similar races otherwise permitted by law. Nothing in this Executive Order should be construed to allow for patrons or spectators at a racetrack.”
The tracks must have a COVID-19 preparedness plan (they do) and, at least initially, racing will be conducted without spectators.
As reported earlier, wagering for Minnesota residents via ADW will not happen this year, but Canterbury is looking into creative ways to utilize their internal, on-site “Bet Canterbury” app for fans in the parking lot. There are a lot of logistical concerns to work out but there is hope that something could be put in place.
Fans or no, the horsemen and horsewomen that call Canterbury home each summer will be relieved to have the uncertainty and anxiety shed and get the focus back to where they like it – getting horses ready to race.
The entire executive is here: EO 20-63 Final_tcm1055-433541
