Canterbury Park wrapped up its 32nd season of live racing on Saturday, reporting increases in both attendance and on-track betting during the 50-day meet. Trainer Mac Robertson secured his 17th Thoroughbred training championship with 49 wins and nearly $1 million in purse earnings. Making his debut season at the Shakopee, Minnesota track, jockey Manuel Americano led all riders with 76 wins and over $1.4 million in purse money, including two victories on the final day.
John Mentz from Lakeville topped the owners’ standings, fielding 27 winners from 106 starts throughout the meet.
Average daily attendance rose by 9% from the previous year to 5,234, while the daily average handle saw a 5% increase.
Frosty View earned the Horse of the Meet title for the second year running. The 5-year-old Minnesota-bred impressed with three wins in five starts, highlighted by victories in the Brooks Fields Mile and the Ralph Strangis Allowance. Owned by Charlene Gabler and trained by Joel Berndt, Frosty View also took home honors as Older Horse and Grass Horse of the Meet. Trainer Berndt additionally prepared Sprinter of the Meet Street Warrior and Three-Year-Old of the Meet That Type Ofa Deal, who closed out the season with a win.
On the final Saturday, wagering handle for the nine-race card totaled $1,209,106.
Looking ahead, Canterbury Park plans to maintain a similar racing schedule in 2027 and intends to submit their date requests to the Minnesota Racing Commission this fall.
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on September 20, 2026, in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take: The steady growth in attendance and wagering at Canterbury Park signals a healthy future for live horse racing in the region. Celebrating standout equine and human talent like Frosty View and Manuel Americano not only excites fans but helps keep the sport vibrant and competitive, drawing in new audiences year after year.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
