Canterbury Park today released a condition book for the first 14 days of the 2026 meet with purses identical to the levels of the 2025 season.

© Coady Media

By Jeff Maday

SHAKOPEE, MN–FEBRUARY 23, 2026– Canterbury Park today released a condition book for the first 14 days of the 2026 meet with purses identical to the levels of the 2025 season. A total of 51 days will be conducted from May 23 through Sept. 19. An estimated $8.5 million in purses will be awarded, with an average of approximately $170,000 per day.

Stall applications are available and due April 1. The stable area, which holds 1,070 horses, will open May 1 with the main track scheduled to open May 8 for training.

“We’re excited to be able to offer the same thoroughbred purse levels and race counts as our 2025 meet,” general manager John Groen said. “We have been busy working with the Minnesota HBPA to continue to make Canterbury’s backstretch one of the most welcoming and family friendly environments in all of racing, and we look forward to welcoming back both our regular horsepersons as well as new faces this season.”

• Earlier this month the thoroughbred stakes schedule was announced with 23 stakes and named allowance races totaling $1.1 million in purses.

• The 2026 quarter horse stakes schedule has been announced. Nine stakes will be conducted, highlighted by the 39th Northlands Futurity Aug. 20 and the $70,000 MQHRA Stallion Auction Futurity July 23. Northlands Futurity and Canterbury Park Derby payments begin March 1. The quarter horse stakes schedule can be found at https://www.canterburypark.com/quarter-horse-stakes-schedule/

• Canterbury Park and the Minnesota Racing Commission are again collaborating to cover costs associated with Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regulatory fees so that those costs will not be passed on to racehorse owners.

• Triple Crown Residences, a gated community with luxury apartments located on Canterbury property, is offering five-month leases with no short-term premium pricing to accommodate seasonal horsepeople. Information can be obtained by calling the Triple Crown Residences leasing team at 952-234-6396.

• The 2026 Minnesota House and Senate legislative session commenced last week. Canterbury Park and the Minnesota HBPA continue to seek legislation that would enhance the purse structure and benefit the racing and breeding industry in the state.

For additional information about the racing season, stall application, meet calendar and condition book visit https://www.canterburypark.com/horsemen /

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