Canterbury Plans ‘Modernization’ Project For Stable Area, Dormitories

Canterbury Park Holding Company, the parent company of Canterbury Park, has announced plans to sell approximately 40 acres in the northeast corner of the property to Minneapolis based Swervo Development Corporation. Swervo will be using the land to build a state of the art, 19,000 seat amphitheater as part of the Canterbury Commons development project. The project will be subject to state and local regulatory approvals.

The development will necessarily initiate changes in the configuration of Canterbury's backside which will include a renovation of existing facilities, the addition of new barns, stables and dorms, and a reconfiguration of the existing training track. Canterbury intends to present this redevelopment plan to the Minnesota Racing Commission for regulatory review in the second quarter of 2022. If approved, construction will start after the coming live racing season and will not impact the 2023 season.

“This is a significant investment in Minnesota's horse racing industry and an important commitment by Canterbury Park,” said Pete Mattson, President of Minnesota HBPA. “The modernization of the stable area at Canterbury Park is important to the horses and people that call Canterbury Park home each summer. We look forward to working with Canterbury throughout the process to create an improved stable area for the future of racing in Minnesota.”

While the training track will be affected, the plan is for a reconfiguration of the track as well as larger and improved barns and dorms. Approximately 19 barns will be affected by the reconfiguration. More details on the layout will emerge when Canterbury presents the plan to the Commission.

“This significant investment in the stable area infrastructure, especially new dorms, should improve the overall experience of our dedicated backside workers,” said HBPA Vice-President Scott Rake. “These new modern living conditions could be among the best in the industry, which is absolutely what the individuals who work so hard to take care of the equine athletes deserve.”

While there is certain to be some apprehension with such major changes, there is optimism that Canterbury is keeping an eye on the future of horse racing in Minnesota.

“Canterbury is looking to expand and improve,” said Canterbury Hall of Fame trainer and HBPA Board Member Bernell Rhone. “Canterbury's commitment to new barns insures their commitment to the future of racing. Change is not always met with favor, but their commitment is a positive move for racing. They've also kept the horsemen in involved in their plans with limited opposition.”

Canterbury announced the development of the underutilized land around the racetrack, Canterbury Commons, in 2018 with the intention of creating a residential and entertainment center in Shakopee. A 300-unit apartment complex has been completed with another scheduled to begin in the spring. Construction is also underway on townhomes and a senior co-op. Greystone Construction completed their new headquarters in October while an active-senior apartment complex has been announced. The amphitheater is the next step in the development.

Additional infrastructure support in the form of three new city roads, have improved access to the racetrack, allowing for the significant development.

“We are very excited about both of these projects and the opportunity to complement our horse racing, card casino and entertainment operations with a world-class outdoor music venue in Canterbury Commons. These projects will provide significant employment and economic benefits for the City of Shakopee and the surrounding region as well as enhance our horse racing operations,” Randy Sampson, Canterbury's Chairman and CEO. “The amphitheater and barn area redevelopment projects, along with the other high-quality developments already underway, demonstrate our continued commitment to provide distinctive and complementary experiences that meet our guests and the community's expectations and improve the quality of life in Shakopee and Scott County.”

Source of original post

Mattson, Padilla And Quinonez Team Up For Minnesota Derby, Oaks Sweep

Owner Pete Mattson, trainer Tim Padilla and jockey Alonso Quinonez teamed up to sweep Wednesday night's richest races at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn. Thealligatorhunter, a prohibitive favorite, won the $100,000 Minnesota Derby and Molly's Angel, at 9-1 odds, won the $100,000 Minnesota Oaks, the premier races for 3-year-olds bred in the state.

Thealligatorhunter, who weaved left and right down the stretch but never made contact with Bayou Benny, prevailed by one length at the 1 mile and 70-yard distance. Mattson, Quinonez and Padilla waited anxiously for the decision, surviving a nail-biter of an inquiry as the stewards ruled that the Thealligatorhunter's antics did not change the order of finish. He paid $2.80.

In the Minnesota Oaks, Molly's Angel passed odds-on favorite Star of the North in the stretch, drawing off to win by 5 1/2 lengths, and paying $20.60, The Derby/Oaks sweep has never been accomplished by the same trainer, owner and jockey at Canterbury.

“We got em' all!” exclaimed Padilla following the Oaks.

Mattson of Prior Lake, who co-owns the Derby winner with Padilla, has 15 wins individually at the meet plus five additional in partnership. He sees a bright future for Thealligatorhunter “There's more to win. We think this horse can do a lot more so we're pretty excited about it,” he said.

Jockey Ruben Fuentes used a rail skimming ride aboard Zoe's Delight to win the $50,000 Wally's Choice Stakes for trainer Tony Rengstorf and owner Winchester Place Thoroughbred, LLC. The 5-year-old prevailed by 3/4 length over Cinco Star. He paid $20.20 to win.

Ready to Runaway raced unchallenged gate to wire in the $50,000 Glitter Star Stakes as the 1 to 5 favorite. This was the third consecutive win in the Glitter Star for the 5-year-old mare who has now won $427,735 in her 21-race career. She is owned by John Mentz of Lakeville and trained by Mac Robertson. Roimes Chirinos was aboard the winner who paid $2.40.

The post Mattson, Padilla And Quinonez Team Up For Minnesota Derby, Oaks Sweep appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights