Judge rules against Canterbury re-opening

At 2:15 pm (CDT) Saturday, Ramsey County (Minnesota) Chief Judge Kathleen

Gearin issued a ruling, denying Canterbury Park's request that the Minnesota

Racing Commission (MRC) continue to operate during the state shutdown. With no

regulatory body in place, Canterbury Park was forced to cancel racing programs

for July 3 and 4. Racing on July 1 and 2 had already been canceled due to the

state shutdown. The MRC, which is fully funded by the racing industry, oversees

gaming at the state's two racetracks.

"I am extremely disappointed in Judge Gearin's interpretation and ruling,"

Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. "We will seek an expedited appeals

process. This is potentially devastating to Minnesota's racing industry.

"With no chance for the 1,300 horses stabled on the backside to compete for

purse money, the danger is that trainers will begin to take their stables from

Minnesota and once they do, they will not return," Sampson added. "This ruling

puts the entire season in jeopardy."

On Thursday, Canterbury Park distributed notices to more than 1,000 licensed

employees indicating they would be placed on a temporary unpaid leave of absence

until operations were allowed to resume.

The MRC receives license fees from racetracks as well as all employees and

horsemen. They also are paid in advance for expected expenses. No general fund

dollars are used to operate the MRC.

"The company has paid a license fee, the employees, the horsemen and the

vendors have too. The expectation is that the MRC regulate our business,"

Sampson said. "The MRC's expenses for July have already been paid."

The Fourth of July weekend is important for the company and popular with race

fans. The yearly July 3 fireworks display traditionally attracts 12,000 viewers.

With the shutdown, the fireworks display will not be held.

"I appreciate the support and patience of the horsemen and our race fans,"

Sampson said. "The state shutdown did not need to impact the racing industry and

its employees."