Claiming Crown set for return to Canterbury Park

The Claiming Crown, Thoroughbred racing's biggest day for lower-level horses, will

return to Canterbury Park on August 2, 2008. The Minnesota track will host the

$600,000 event for the eighth time in 10 years. Last year's renewal took place

at Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky. In 2002, the Claiming Crown was held at

Philadelphia Park.

"Everyone connected  with Canterbury Park is eagerly looking forward to

hosting Claiming Crown in 2008," said Randy Sampson, Canterbury Park's president

and general manager.

Eligibility restrictions on prospective Claiming Crown horses have been

relaxed somewhat for 2008. To be eligible for any of the seven 2008 Claiming

Crown races, which will have purse values ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, a

horse must have started for or below the specified claiming price in 2007 or

2008. Previously, a horse had been required to start for or below the specified

claiming price within the 12-month period leading up to Claiming Crown day.

"This lengthening of the qualifying period was suggested by numerous owners

and trainers who have participated in prior Claiming Crowns," added Sampson.

"It's a good idea that will open the event to a larger population of

Thoroughbreds each year.

The seven races are: the $50,000 Iron Horse, three-year-olds and up,

starters for $7,500 or less, at 1 1/16 miles; the $50,000 Express,

three-year-olds and up, starters for $7,500 or less, six furlongs; the $75,000

Glass Slipper, fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up, starters for $16,000

or less, six furlongs; the $75,000 Rapid Transit, three-year-olds and up,

starters for $16,000 or less, six furlongs; the $100,000 Tiara, fillies and

mares, three-year-olds and up, starters for $25,000 or less, 1 1/16 miles on turf.; the $100,000 Emerald, three-year-olds and up, starters

for $25,000 or less, 1 1/16 miles on turf.; and the $150,000

Jewel, three-year-olds and up, starters for $35,000 or less, 1 1/8 miles.