Minnesota

The Minnesota Racing Commission voted Monday to approve historical horse racing at Canterbury Park and Running Aces, according to the Star-Tribune. The commission was not expected to make a decision at Monday's meeting, however, after more than 3 1/2 hours of discussion it voted 5-1 to approve HHR, effective May 21. "We are at a critical crossroads," Commissioner Raymond Dehn told the Star-Tribune. "There is a lot at stake." The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), which operates Mystic Lake Casino, both spoke against...

A proposed entertainment complex to be built outside the first turn at Canterbury Park will feature a "high-end" restaurant, a music venue, and an outdoor bar and patio with a games area and fire pit, according to plans filed with the Shakopee, Minnesota, planning commission. The two facilities on the 15-acre site, to be known as "Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar" and "Stables," will be right up against the outer rail with an up-close view of the action when Canterbury's season runs between May and September. But despite the desirable location...

Robert John Lothenbach, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder who was a passionate booster of horse racing in his home state of Minnesota and also enjoyed success in the sport on the national level, has died unexpectedly. He was 64. The Minnesota chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (MHBPA) announced his passing late on Monday. The cause of Lothenbach's death has yet to be publicly disclosed, and funeral arrangements are pending. Shortly after Canterbury Park first opened in 1985, Lothenbach and three friends each put up $1,000 to claim...

The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association (MTA) will conduct its 2022 Stallion Season Auction from Jan. 3, 2022 through Jan. 10, 2022, at www.thoroughlybred.com. The auction will include seasons to more than 50 premier stallions from Kentucky, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Minnesota. A $1,000 incentive is being offered from the Minnesota Breeders' Fund. Any breeder who purchases a season through the auction and foals in the state will receive a check for $1,000 when the foal is registered with the Minnesota Racing Commission in 2023. "As we look forward to 2022, organizers...

Governor Tim Walz appointed Commissioner Raymond Dehn Mar. 1, according to the Minnesota Racing Commission Friday. Commissioner Dehn served four terms as a Minnesota state legislator, representing House District 59B in Minneapolis from 2013-2021. The Minnesota native graduated with honors from the architecture program of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In addition to the recent appointment of Commissioner Dehn, the Office of the Secretary of State released notice of vacancies for three Minnesota Racing Commission positions. The terms of three incumbents expire June 30, 2021. The Commission is comprised...

MTA TO HOST '21 ONLINE STALLION SEASON AUCTION WITH $1K BONUS INCENTIVE PROGRAM The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association (MTA) will conduct its 2021 Stallion Season Auction Jan. 3-11, featuring over 50 stallions from Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma and Minnesota. The on-line auction will be hosted at www.thoroughlybred.com. A new incentive is also being offered for this year's auction from the Minnesota Breeders' Fund. Breeders who purchase a stallion season through the 2021 MTA Stallion Season Auction with the resultant foal born in Minnesota will receive a $1000 check when the foal is...

Both branches of the Minnesota Legislature have now passed a bill that aims to help Canterbury Park and Running Aces open spectator-free Thoroughbred and harness meets. The chief change in the statute, if signed by the governor, will allow the two tracks to operate card clubs even if they race fewer than the required 50 dates per year in 2020 and 2021 if the racing commission deems there are "circumstances beyond the licensee's control," like the current COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives 97-34 on Friday...