From Canterbury Park
The Claiming Crown, a $600,000 series of races for claiming horses, returns to Canterbury Park in Minnesota this year, and already horsemen have responded with a record number of early nominations.
More than 200 horses, which have started at least once since Jan. 1, 2007, for claiming prices ranging from $7,500 to $35,000, have been nominated for the seven-race program that will be held Aug. 2.
“This will be the eighth time we have hosted this event, and this is the largest number of early nominations we have ever received,” Canterbury Park president Randy Sampson said.
The Claiming Crown was inaugurated in 1999. It was held at Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack in 2002 and at Ellis Park last year.
Owners and trainers from 29 states and Canada have submitted nominations, including Richard Englander, whose colors have been worn by four Claiming Crown winners; trainer Scott Lake, who has saddled eight winners; and trainer Mike Maker, who won three races at Ellis Park.
Nominations (at $500) close June 13, the deadline for names to be submitted for open nominations made in April. For additional information, contact Claiming Crown coordinator Nat Wess at 800-340-6361, ext. 6411, or visit the Claiming Crown Web site.