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 By: Dan Jacobson Sr.
Shakopee, Minnesota, July 13, 2011
Since the Minnesota State shut down has closed gambling in the state of Minnesota, Canterbury Park also is closed until the state settles on a budget. CEO and President of Canterbury Park, Randy Sampson said in a press release, "I’m disappointed tonight to report that Canterbury Park has been forced to temporarily close due to the state government shutdown. While Canterbury Park pays 100% of all state regulation costs associated with Live Racing, our Card Casino and Racebook operations, and while all of those regulatory fees have been paid in full through July, inaction by Minnesota’s legislative leaders and an unfavorable court ruling have forced us to suspend operations."
When and if the state gets a budget, the horses will be back on the track well into September making it unfeasible to switch the track for the AMA Pro Racing -Mile event. I asked Special Events Manager, Mary Pat Monson if next year the event would be back on the AMA Pro Racing schedule, "Yes, to your question about 2012, I’m hoping now that we have another year to work on sponsorship we will be able to secure enough sponsors and side events to make the race a success."
These issues are a blow to the growing AMA Pro Racing - Mile event in Minnesota that made it's strong come back in 2010 after the 1997 debut and 13 year hiatus. The Canterbury Park venue is more then a first quality facility in Shakopee, Minnesota... The lighted night time mile oval, in-house jumbo-tron video, great audio system, gambling, great food, indoor air-conditioned and outdoor seating makes this event a "must see" for the AMA Pro Racing season. Kenny Coolbeth Jr. the 2010 come from behind winner will have to wait one more year to defend his victory. See you at the 2012 Canterbury Park - AMA Pro Racing - Mile. |
