Canterbury Park has hired Javier Barajas as track superintendent for the 2013 racing season.
Barajas has held similar positions at Arlington Park, Golden Gate Fields, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and Retama Park. He currently is track superintendent at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, home of the world's richest horse race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I).
Because Canterbury Park's race meet does not conflict with Dubai's racing season, Barajas will continue as track superintendent with Dubai Racing Club in addition to overseeing the Shakopee, Minn. track's dirt and turf tracks from April through September.
"I am excited about the opportunity to work for Canterbury Park," he said in a release from the track. "The track has always been known as one of the safest in the industry and the management is really focused on improving racing. The schedules work perfectly for me to stay on at Meydan and also work at Canterbury."
This arrangement also allows Barajas to spend more time with family in Illinois.
"Javier is recognized as one of the world's top individuals in his field, and we are very excited to have him on our team," said Canterbury Park president Randy Sampson. "Having Javier in charge of maintaining our racing surfaces demonstrates our commitment to the safety of our equine and human athletes. His vast experience as track superintendent at some of the world's top racetracks will be helpful in our efforts to improve the quality of racing at Canterbury Park."
