Canterbury Park Opens 68-Day Meet With Large Fields.

Shot of Gold Stakes Headlines Nine-Race Program on May 5

SHAKOPEE, Minn. -- Saturday's race program at Canterbury Park drew 84 horses, including nine for the featured $45,000 Shot of Gold Stakes. Entries were drawn on Wednesday for the opening day card, which will be run on Saturday, May 5 with first post at 1:30pm.

Many familiar faces have returned to Canterbury including last year's leading rider Paul Nolan. Four-time champion Derek Bell has been named on four mounts, and jockey Tho Nguyen, who last rode at Canterbury in 2002, has returned this season. Trainer Mac Robertson, who has finished atop the standings each of the last three years, wasted no time filling the entry box. Six horses, including a coupled entry in the third running of the Shot of Gold Stakes, will go postward under his name.

Reopened in 1995, the publicly held Shakopee racetrack embarks on its 13th season as Canterbury Park. Track President Randy Sampson expects good things this summer. "The jockey colony looks as strong as ever and the backside stalls should be full within the next few weeks," said Sampson. The purse structure is expected to be consistent with last year, approximately $150,000 per day. "Although first quarter revenues are less than last year and less than expected, I am still confident that we will maintain our purse structure over the course of the meet," added Sampson.

Last year's opening day attracted a record crowd of 17,111. Average attendance has increased each of the last 10 seasons, and Canterbury Park drew more than 360,000 in 2006. "The yearly growth in attendance has been very encouraging," said Sampson. "Weeknight racing has shown tremendous increases, especially among the younger demographic. This has allowed us to introduce the sport of horse racing to a new generation." Hoping to capitalize on that trend, new this year will be 4 pm Saturday post times beginning in June. The change in post time also will allow the Canterbury simulcast signal to reach a broader audience throughout the country. For the first time in its history, Canterbury races will appear in Las Vegas race books.

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 952-445-7223 or visit www.canterburypark.com.