The first three days of Canterbury Park’s 51-day season entry was robust as horses, trainers, stable workers and jockeys arrived from across the country.
The 31st season of horse racing in Shacopee, Minnesota, will begin Saturday at 6pm on EDT with an eight-race program. Seven races are scheduled for both Sunday and anniversary, starting Monday at 1pm.
A total of 186 horses and 42 trainers entered with an average field size of 8.46. Last season, an average of 7.36 starters per race, up 13% in 2023. Field sizes often ordered handles, and in 2024 there was a 12% increase in handles per race.
“This year again, we have received more horse stall requests than we can hold, and this is always an encouraging sign,” said Amber Carlisle, senior manager of race operations. “And we know that in the big field to open the weekend, trainers and horses are ready to race. This year’s jockey colony is hugely talented and we look forward to an exciting and competitive live racing season.”
Perennial trainer Mac Robertson has returned with a big steady pursuit of his 17th title. Robertson is the greatest leader in historic history of winning, winning, winning percentage and in the money percentage at Canterbury.
Jockey Harry Hernandez won riding titles in 2022 and 2023. This was Canterbury’s only two seasons, but last year he chose to ride elsewhere. Hernandez returns this spring and was appointed to 13 mount on Saturday and Sunday.
“I feel happy here, I feel motivated,” Hernandez said. “The people here give me the opportunity. They respect me and I respect everyone. This is a great place for me.”
On Monday, he leaves town riding a heroic move on the Grade 3 Steve Sexton Mile, a $400,000 stake at Lone Star Park in Texas.
Last season’s top two riders Luis Fuentes and Seraphine Carmona were not back, leaving behind a wide open competition for top jockeys. This weekend, there will be a total of 22 riders on the mount. This includes riding the entire card in the first two days and riding five of Monday’s seven races.
