Due to the extreme temperatures and heat index forecast for the afternoon of July 4, Canterbury Park officials announced that live racing and all festivities originally scheduled for that day would be canceled and rescheduled for Saturday, July 7.
The 10-race July 4 card includes the $75,000 Northbound Pride Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.
“Due to the forecasts which call for dangerously high temperatures and heat indices, the decision has been made to cancel racing and our special events originally scheduled for July 4,” Canterbury Park president Randy Sampson said in a release. “The health of both our equine and human athletes as well as our race fans is always our primary concern. After consulting with chief state veterinarian Dr. Lynn Hovda, we have determined it is in everyone’s best interests to cancel tomorrow’s races.
The traditional July 4th promotions–namely, free hot dogs, a championship wiener dog race, and a hot dog eating contest–will all be made up July 7 with first post scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
The July 3 race card and fireworks show are being conducted as originally scheduled. Racing continues at Canterbury Park this week July 5 and 6 with first post at 7:00 p.m. and the afternoon of July 7 with post time at 1:30 p.m.