Title: Excitement Builds for Canterbury Park’s 31st Racing Season Opening on May 24
Entries for the first three days of Canterbury Park’s 51-day season were robust as horses, trainers, stable workers, and jockeys arrive from across the country. The 31st season of horse racing at Canterbury Park begins May 24 at 5 p.m. CT with an eight-race program.
Seven races are scheduled for May 25 and May 26—Memorial Day Monday—each beginning at 1 p.m.
"It’s great to welcome everyone back for another live racing season," said Amber Carlisle, Canterbury Park’s senior manager of racing operations. "Our horsepeople love it here, so everyone is happy to return. They show up enthusiastic, optimistic, and with smiles on their faces. Canterbury Park is also welcoming several new outfits to our racetrack. We are excited for them to experience everything Canterbury Park has to offer—from our hospitable racing program to our backside benevolence programs to our new barns, new dorms, and new permanent RV park."
A total of 186 horses were entered by 42 trainers for average entries of 8.45 per race. (Scratches could diminish these figures.) Last season, the average field size was 7.36 starters per race, a 13% increase over 2023. Field size often dictates handle, the amount of money wagered. In 2024, the handle per race increased by 12%.
"Again this year, we had more stall requests for horses than we can hold, which is always an encouraging sign," Carlisle said. "Additionally, with big fields for opening weekend, we know trainers and horses came here ready to race. The jockey colony this year is large and deep in talent, leaving everyone in anticipation of an exciting and competitive live racing season."
Perennial leading trainer Mac Robertson has returned with a large stable seeking his 17th title. Robertson is Canterbury’s all-time leader in purses earned, wins, and other metrics.
Jockey Harry Hernandez won the riding title in 2022 and 2023, his only two seasons at Canterbury, but opted to ride elsewhere last year. Hernandez has returned this spring and is named on 13 mounts Saturday and Sunday.
"I feel happy here, I feel motivated," Hernandez said. "The people here give me an opportunity. They respect me, and I give respect to everyone. This is a great place for me."
On Monday, he will be out of town riding Heroic Move in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3), a $400,000 stake at Lone Star Park in Texas.
The top two riders from last season, Luis Fuentes and Serafin Carmona, have not returned, leaving a wide-open competition for top jockey. A total of 22 riders have mounts this weekend, including Guillermo Rodriguez, who rides the entire card over the first two days and five of the seven races on Monday.
By The Numbers
Saturday: 68 horses representing 28 trainers; 21 jockeys have mounts
Sunday: 64 (plus three also-eligible) horses representing 31 trainers; 19 jockeys have mounts
Monday: 51 horses representing 29 trainers; 20 jockeys have mounts
Totals: 186 horses, 42 unique trainers, and 22 unique jockeys
Nine of the 22 races will be run on the turf course and 13 on the main track.
Free Past Performances Over The Meet
Canterbury Park is providing free Brisnet past performances for all 51 days of the season. PPs can be downloaded online.
Pick 5 With 10% Takeout Returns
The wagering menu will again include a 50-cent Pick 5 with a 10% takeout beginning in the second race each day. The 10% takeout rate is the lowest in North American racing. Last season’s highest-paying Pick 5 was $35,735.40 on a 50-cent wager.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
