Canterbury Park has submitted a request to the Minnesota Racing Commission for a 51-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse season.

© Coady Media

By Jeff Maday

SHAKOPEE, MN– NOVEMBER 12, 2025–Canterbury Park has submitted a request to the Minnesota Racing Commission for a 51-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse season that would run from Saturday, May 23, through Saturday, Sept. 19.

The 2026 racing calendar offers the same number of race days as 2025. Racing would be conducted primarily on Thursdays and Saturdays at 5 p.m. central and Sundays and holidays at 1 p.m. Additional race dates include Monday, May 25, Friday, July 3 and Wednesdays, July 22 and Sept. 16. A nine-day break is also proposed from July 13 to 21. In 2025, Wednesday was the predominant weeknight but Thursday was chosen for the coming season to maximize on-track attendance and group catering opportunities. Canterbury's July 3 program, which historically attracts a crowd of more than 15,000, will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.

"Maintaining this racing calendar allows Canterbury to attract horses from other meets that have traditionally filled our stalls, primarily tracks in the Midwest and Southwest," Senior Manager of Racing Operations Amber Carlisle said. "Accommodating those trainers and racehorse owners that have supported Minnesota racing is important to our success but we are also optimistic that we can attract new stables and trainers that recognize the racing opportunities for horses of all class levels on both turf and dirt." Last season 45 percent of all races were carded for the turf course. Purses are expected to remain consistent with the 2025 season.

The stakes schedule will be released early in the new year. The first condition book will be available in late February with stall applications due in mid-April. The stable area, which accommodates 1,070 horses, will open for arrivals in early May.

The Minnesota Racing Commission is expected to consider Canterbury Park's request at its November 20 meeting. The commission, currently an eight-member panel, is appointed by the state's governor and tasked with overseeing the integrity and safety of horse racing at Minnesota's two pari-mutuel racetracks.

CLICK HERE for a PDF of the 2026 proposed calendar. Canterbury Park's 24/7 casino and simulcast racebook remain open daily. For more information, visit www.canterburypark.com.

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