The 2008 live racing season at Canterbury Park begins Saturday, May 3 with a 1:30 p.m. post time. The opening-day program will feature nine thoroughbred races, including the fourth running of the $50,000 Shot of Gold Stakes.
Full card simulcasting begins at 10 a.m., highlighted by the 134th Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 5 p.m.
Since moving the opener to the first Saturday in May, Canterbury Park has attracted its largest crowd of the season on opening day each of the past three years, according to a Canterbury press release. Last year’s attendance was 16,597.
“Kicking off our live racing season on the same day as the Kentucky Derby has been a perfect fit,” Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. “Horse racing fans are excited about the derby as well as getting outside and enjoying the excitement of live racing. The Canterbury opener sends the message that summer has begun.”
This will be the 14th season of live racing since the publicly held Shakopee racetrack re-opened as Canterbury Park in 1995. Average attendance has increased each of the last 11 seasons, drawing more than 360,000 in 2007.
This summer’s 67-day meet, running through Labor Day, will offer a stakes schedule worth more than $2 million, as part of a total purse structure of $10.3 million, the release stated.
The return of the $600,000 Claiming Crown August 2 and the annual Minnesota Festival of Champions August 17 will be the centerpieces of the racing season.
General admission to Canterbury Park is $5, with an additional charge for indoor reserved seating. General parking is free. Valet parking is $6. For additional information call the Canterbury Box Office at (952) 445-7224 or visit www.canterburypark.com [1].
Canterbury Park race times
May
Fridays, May 16, 23 and 30 – 7 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day - 1:30 p.m.
June, July, August and Sept. 1
Thursdays and Fridays - 7 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays, July 4 and Labor Day - 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 3 - 4 p.m.
Significant Dates
Saturday, May 3 - Opening Day
Thursday, July 3 - Fireworks Spectacular after the races
Sunday, July 20 - Extreme Race Day
Saturday, August 2 - Claiming Crown
Sunday, August 17 - Minnesota Festival of Champions
Monday, Sept. 1 - Final day of live racing for 2008