Officials encouraged by 186 entries for three-day opening weekend
Entries for the first three days of Canterbury Park’s 51-day season were robust as horses, trainers, stable workers and jockeys arrive from across the country. The 31st season of horse racing at Canterbury Park begins Saturday at 5 p.m. with an eight-race program. Seven races are scheduled for both Sunday and Memorial Day Monday beginning at 1 p.m. both days.
“It’s great to welcome everyone back for another live racing season,” senior manager of racing operations Amber Carlisle said.” Our horsepeople love it here, so everyone is happy to return. They show up enthusiastic, optimistic and with smiles on their faces. Canterbury Park is also welcoming several new outfits to our racetrack. We are excited for them to experience everything Canterbury Park has to offer – from our hospitable racing program to our backside benevolence programs to our new barns, new dorms and new permanent RV park.”
A total of 186 horses were entered by 42 trainers for an average field size of 8.46. Last season averaged 7.36 starters per race, a 13 percent increase over 2023. Field size often dictates handle, the amount of money wagered. In 2024 handle per race increased by 12 percent.
“Again this year, we had more stall requests for horses than we can hold, which is always an encouraging sign,” Carlisle said. “Additionally, with big fields for opening weekend, we know trainers and horses came here ready to race. The jockey colony this year is large and deep in talent, leaving everyone in anticipation of an exciting and competitive live racing season.”
Perennial leading trainer Mac Robertson has returned with a large stable seeking his 17th title. Robertson is the historical all-time leader in purses earned, wins, win percentage and in-the-money percentage at Canterbury.
Jockey Harry Hernandez won the riding title in 2022 and 2023, his only two seasons at Canterbury, but opted to ride elsewhere last year. Hernandez has returned this spring and is named on 13
mounts Saturday and Sunday.
“I feel happy here, I feel motivated,” Hernandez said. “The people here give me an opportunity. They respect me and I give respect to everyone. This is a great place for me.”
On Monday he will be out of town riding Heroic Move in the Grade 3 Steve Sexton Mile, a $400,000 stake at Lone Star Park in Texas.
The top two riders from last season, Luis Fuentes and Serafin Carmona, have not returned leaving a wide-open competition for top jockey. A total of 22 riders have mounts this weekend including Guillermo Rodriguez who rides the entire card the first two days and five of the seven races Monday.
By The Numbers
Saturday: 68 horses representing 28 trainers; 21 jockeys have mounts
Sunday: 64 + 3 also-eligible horses representing 31 trainers; 19 jockeys have mounts
Monday: 51 horses representing 29 trainers; 20 jockeys have mounts
Totals: 186 horses, 42 unique trainers and 22 unique jockeys
Nine of the 22 races will be run on the turf course and 13 on the main track.
Bulldog Races Sunday
The first of five signature dog race days happens Sunday when bulldogs take to the racetrack for five heats held between horse races. These popular events attract large crowds as part of Pepsi Family Day activities. Wiener dogs were the first breed to entertain more than two decades ago. Canterbury’s marketing team eventually added bulldogs, corgis, basset hounds and miniature doodles, all of which will be featured throughout the summer with the best of each breed returning for an Aug. 31 showdown.
General ission is $10 plus tax for adults, $7 plus tax for those six to 17 years old, while children five and younger are itted free. Reserved seating is also available. Parking is free. Ticket discounts are available online at tickets.canterburypark.com .
Following Monday’s card, live racing will continue Saturday, May 31. The meet will run through Sept. 20.
