Earlier today Canterbury Park announced in a press release —
https://www.canterburypark.com/…/canterbury-park-plans-to-…/ — that May 1st remains the aspirational date for its stable area to open for a race meet, which will now likely begin sometime in late May or June, as opposed to the originally-scheduled May 15th.
The Minnesota HBPA has an excellent working relationship with and mutual respect for Canterbury Park management. What follows is a letter from Minnesota HBPA president Dr. Scott Rake in support for both Canterbury Park and all participants in Minnesota racing.
Dear Friends of Minnesota Racing,
I don’t think there is any need to further detail this extraordinary time in the history of, literally, the world. It is unprecedented in the modern era and next to impossible to predict in the near-term future. But what we do know is that there is a light at the end of tunnel, even if we can’t know when that light will shine down upon us. To that end, you should know that I and the entire board of the Minnesota HBPA are completely focused to ensure the best possible outcome for the women and men who train our horses, who own our horses, who care for our horses, for all of us who cheer on and love our horses.
We can’t leapfrog science and act myopically in the short term by ignoring the reality of Covid-19. But what we can do is prepare for that inevitable day when racing comes roaring back in Shakopee. That will be one special day. To make this day a reality, I have been in constant contact with Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson and Vice President Andrew Offerman, State Veterinarian Dr. Lynn Hovda and various members of the Minnesota Racing Commission. Rest assured, this is an exceptional group of individuals with whom we’ve been able to determine numerous key issues and contingencies going forward. As we don’t know what will materialize in the future, we do have plans in place for whatever does.
Lastly, I ask for your patience and for your understanding. Please know that I and the Minnesota HBPA will be totally transparent. After all, we’re all in this together. So I ask you to resist the temptation to believe whatever rumors you may be hearing. Simply put, we at the Minnesota HBPA, Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Racing Commission are working together and can’t wait until we have a set date for when our great sport resumes at Canterbury Park. Trust me, we will be the first to let you know. Until then, stay safe, remember all those great moments of the past at Canterbury Park and know there are so many more yet to come.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Rake
President of the Minnesota HBPA.
