Camille McArdle resigned as chair of the Minnesota Racing Commission, expressing deep frustration that state officials, including the governor’s office, no longer support the horse racing industry. She criticized the perceived preference for tribal gaming over racetracks like Canterbury Park and Running Aces, highlighting conflicts such as the legal battle over historical horse racing machines, which were banned by recent legislation favoring tribal casinos. McArdle, a longtime industry advocate and former chief veterinarian for the commission, lamented that the commission’s role has shifted from promoting the industry to merely regulating it.

The horse racing industry in Minnesota, once generating over $400 million annually and supporting thousands of jobs, now faces significant challenges amid competition from tribal casinos and legislative setbacks. McArdle’s resignation underscores broader tensions between the state’s racetracks and tribal gaming interests, with accusations of collusion to limit racetrack revenue. Despite stepping down, McArdle remains committed to advocating for the industry’s survival and calls for legislative attention to support horse racing and breeding in Minnesota.