Canterbury Park officials announced a 2014 stakes schedule Dec. 19 that includes 24 races with purses totaling more than $1.8 million.
The third running of the $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby, the richest race of the season, has been moved to the final day of the 69-day race meet Sept. 13. The 21st Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to horses bred in the state, is Aug. 31.
"The Mystic Lake Derby was re-positioned to September in hopes of attracting horses that have returned to the midwest after competing in major race meets on both coasts during the summer," Canterbury Park vice president of racing operations Eric Halstrom said in a release.
The previous two editions had been in late July and early August. "This is another step in making the Mystic Lake Derby a premier race on the national racing scene," Halstrom said.
Fifteen of the stakes have increased purses. The Shakopee Juvenile Stakes, also on Sept. 13, was a 7 1/2- furlong turf race in 2013 and will be six furlongs on the main track in 2014.
The 2014 season begins May 16 at the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack. Condition books and stall applications will be available in January. More information is available at www.canterburypark.com.
