Entries were taken over the weekend for the first three days of the 51-day racing season at Canterbury Park. Opening night, Saturday, May 23, begins at 5 p.m. with racing continuing Sunday and Memorial Day Monday at 1 p.m. Each card has seven races.

By Jeff Mayday

SHAKOPEE, MN–MAY 20, 2026– Entries were taken over the weekend for the first three days of the 51-day racing season at Canterbury Park. Opening night, Saturday, May 23, begins at 5 p.m. with racing continuing Sunday and Memorial Day Monday at 1 p.m. Each card has seven races.

“We're excited to kick off our 2026 meet this weekend with three days of racing. We have a great summer planned both on and off the racetrack with competitive racing and family friendly events,” general manager John Groen said. “It's been a long wait since last season ended and we are happy to see our horsepersons arriving at Canterbury over the past few weeks. We can't wait to welcome back our large crowds and loyal fans when the gates open Saturday.”

A total of 133 horses were entered for the weekend by 24 trainers for an average field size of 6.33. Last season’s leading trainer Jose Silva, Jr., entered 15 horses. Mac Robertson, who has won the training title a record 16 times, has returned with a large stable. He entered 12 horses. Robertson is the historical all-time leader in purses earned, wins, win percentage and in-the-money percentage at Canterbury.

Several familiar names make up the jockey colony but a number of new faces are in Shakopee as well. Last year’s leading rider Harry Hernandez did not return making this season’s quest for top jockey very competitive. Returning is Luis Fuentes, leading rider in 2024. He was not at Canterbury last year and will make his first start since being sidelined with an injury in New Mexico in November 2025. Fuentes has 10 mounts over the weekend.

Manuel Americano will ride at Canterbury for the first time. He won the riding title at the recently concluded race meet at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. Americano has mounts in all 21 races this weekend. Apprentice rider Victor Lara, who has a 13 for 197 career record, also is riding at Canterbury for the first time. He has a total of 14 mounts.

By The Numbers

32nd consecutive season of live racing since reopening as Canterbury Park in 1995
Saturday: 49 horses representing 19 trainers; 11 jockeys have mounts
Sunday: 44 horses representing 21 trainers; 13 jockeys have mounts
Monday: 40 horses representing 18 trainers; 12 jockeys have mounts
Totals: 133 horses, 24 unique trainers and 14 unique jockeys
Nine of the 21 races will be run on the turf course and 12 on the main track.

Bulldog Races Sunday

The first of five signature dog race days happens Sunday when 60 bulldogs take to the racetrack for six heats held between horse races. These popular events attract large crowds as part of Pepsi Family Day activities. Wiener dogs were the first breed to entertain more than two decades ago. Canterbury’s marketing team eventually added bulldogs, corgis, basset hounds and, new this season, beagles, all of which will be featured throughout the summer with the best of each breed returning for a Sept. 6 showdown.

General admission is $10 plus tax for adults, $7 plus tax for those six to 17 years old, while children five and younger are admitted free. Thursday racing begins June 4 and with it comes Two Buck Night with $2 admission, beer and food specials. Reserved seating is also available every race day. Parking is always free. Ticket discounts are available online at tickets.canterburypark.com .

Following Monday’s card, live racing will continue Saturday, May 30. The meet will run through Sept. 19.

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