The 2012 season at Canterbury Park begins Friday, May 18 with a three-day weekend of thoroughbred racing. Friday’s post time is 7 p.m. while races begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Two $35,000 stakes races for Minnesota-bred horses, the 10,000 Lakes and the Lady Slipper, are part of the Saturday, May 19, program, as well as a simulcast of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of The Triple Crown.

Canterbury Park will offer 62 days of live racing this season, which runs through Labor Day. Fridays feature Minnesota’s Biggest Happy Hour with live music and drink specials. Sundays are Family Day with free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo. The popular ‘Buck Night’ promotion, which includes $1 general admission, and beverage and food specials, will be offered when Thursday night racing begins June 14.

Canterbury Park set a new attendance record during the 2011 season with an average of 6,143 fans per day.

“The loyalty of our fan base as well as the curiosity of those new visitors wishing to experience the fun and excitement of a day at the races is a highlight of every summer,” Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said.  “We have a well-rounded schedule of events to support the racing and I fully expect to see record crowds again this season.”

The annual Minnesota Festival of Champions on Sept. 2 headlines a stakes schedule worth $1.1 million. The Festival of Champions is a day of racing dedicated to the best horses bred in the state. The second annual Fillies Race for Hope, a signature charitable event established by the Canterbury Park Minnesota Fund and Minnesota’s racing industry, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 4. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation.

General admission to Canterbury Park is $5, with an additional charge for indoor, reserved seating. General parking is free. For additional information, call the Canterbury Box Office at (952) 445-7224 or visit www.canterburypark.com.

Racing Days and Times

Live Race Dates:  May 18 through Labor Day, Sept. 3

Thursdays, June 14 through Aug. 23 -  7:00 pm

Fridays – 7:00 pm

Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays – 1:30 pm

July 3 – Special 4:00 pm post time

Significant Dates

Friday, May 18 – Opening Night

Saturday, June 23 – Food Truck Festival

Tuesday, July 3 – Fireworks Spectacular presented by Kwik Trip after the races

Saturday, July 21 – Extreme Race Day with camel and ostrich races

Saturday, August 4 – Fillies Race for Hope

Sunday, Sept. 2 – Minnesota Festival of Champions

Monday, Sept. 3 – Final day of live racing