For the fifth day, Canterbury Park cancelled live racing and remained closed July 7 as a result of a shutdown of the state government in Minnesota, and attorneys for the track again requested that the state reopen the Minnesota Racing Commission offices so the track can operate.
Since the July 1 shutdown, the track in Shakopee has not conducted horse racing and its card casino has remained closed. The Minnesota Racing Commission, which regulates all such operations at the state’s two racetracks, has been closed due to the state's budget crisis.
Meanwhile, the track’s attorneys have asked a judge to reconsider her decision denying the Minnesota Racing Commission the ability to reopen. Taking the position that it is fully funded by the horse industry, requires no general fund dollars, and has received payment for all expected July expenses, the track filed a petition July 1 asking for the commission to remain in operation.
Since Ramsey County Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin denied that request, Canterbury and Running Acres Harness Park have provided the judge with additional information and on July 6 filed a petition asking her to reconsider and permit the MRC to reopen.
“The tracks seek to clarify crucial facts regarding funding for the Minnesota Racing Commission that place the MRC on the same footing as the Minnesota Zoo, which was permitted to reopen,” the attorneys said in a letter to Gearin.
As of July 7, no action had been taken on the request for reconsideration.