Brooks Fields, who founded Canterbury Downs near Shakopee, Minn., died June 23 of emphysema. The lifelong Minneapolis resident was 89.
Fields served as Canterbury’s first president and chief executive officer. The track, constructed for $70 million, opened June 26, 1985, and got off to a rousing start, with some 15,000 fans attending.
Canterbury experienced financial difficulties after the first season. The track was sold to Ladbroke Racing in 1990. It later was renamed Canterbury Park.
Fields has a stakes run in his honor at Canterbury. This year’s running was held June 7.
Fields also was a prominent businessman. His survivors include his wife, Lucy, plus four children and four stepchildren.