Canterbury Park Adds $3,500 Claiming Series To 2012 Race Meet
62-Day Meet Begins May 18; Stall Applications Due April 1
For Immediate Release:
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Contact: Jeff Maday
Media Relations Manager
(952) 496-6408
jmaday@canterburypark.com
Shakopee, MN -- Canterbury Park’s annual race meet will begin Friday, May 18 and run through Labor Day for a total of 62 race days. New on the schedule this year is a series of sprints for $3,500 claiming horses culminating with championship races for each sex offering a $25,000 purse. To compete in the $25,000 championships, horses must earn points by racing in at least two of the three qualifying sprints beginning June 14.
“The claiming series will appeal to stables racing in this region and offers a championship purse that will generate a lot of interest,” Racing Secretary Doug Schoepf said. “We also have increased the purses at the bottom level this season so that every thoroughbred purse will be at least $7,000.”
All claiming series races will be run on Thursday nights with the hope that fans will enjoy watching some of the same horses week in and week out. "We are extremely proud of our Thursday night racing," President Randy Sampson said. "In 2011, attendance averaged 6,690 on Thursdays and I believe this claiming series will allow our young and energetic crowd to more closely identify with some of the horses that make their way to Canterbury this summer."
More information on the claiming series as well as the stakes and condition books can be found at www.canterburypark.com . Stall applications, also available online, are due April 1. Print copies of the condition book can be obtained through Linda Arnoldi at 952-496-6449 or larnoldi@canterburypark.com .