Big crowds turn out for opening weekend at Canterbury Park

Canterbury Park’s 31st season of live racing began Saturday, kicking off a 51-day meet that runs through Sept. 20. Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday racing attracted big crowds enjoying competitive racing on both dirt and turf under sunny skies. Wagering was stronger than expected the first two days both on and off track.

“The meet is off to a great start,” senior manager of racing operations Amber Carlisle said. “Opening weekend was

full of excitement. In 22 races over three days, we had 13 different jockeys win a race, 15 different trainers win and 20 different owners win. It was also a safe weekend, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication from the entire Racing Team.”

In all, 21 jockeys had at least one mount. Guillermo Rodriguez rode 19 of the 22 races, winning twice including notching his 900th career victory. Harry Hernandez won four of 13 starts, the best of the colony, despite not riding Monday. He was to fly to Dallas to ride in a $400,000 stake. An inexplicable licensing snafu prevented him, and others riders from around the country as well, from competing at Lone Star. His would-be mount, Heroic Move, finished third.

Jockey Leslie Mawing, who has returned to Shakopee after a few seasons away, won two with an average win payout of $37.20. He rode Too Hot to Stop to a win for trainer Lynn Rarick producing the high payout of the weekend of $51.40.

Forty trainers started at least one horse. Jose Silva, Jr. and Mac Robertson each won three and are again atop the standings. Mike Biehler, Tim Padilla and Santiago Tranquilino had two wins each.

There were 99 owners or partnerships making starts. Silva, Jr. was owner/trainer of two winners. Pete Mattson and

trainer Padilla co-owned a pair of winners as well including Crocodilehunter the weekend’s lowest win payout returning $2.40.  He recorded the fastest 6 furlong time of 1:11.09.

Betting favorites won nine races for a 40.9% hit rate.

There were nine claims totaling $92,500.  Trainer Edgar Espinoza and owner Secret Stables accounted for three of those claims.

Live racing resumes Saturday with eight races beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a 1 p.m. Sunday program that offers seven races. The Canterbury Casino is open 24/7.

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