NEWS
Canterbury appeal denied, forced to cancel holiday cards
Posted: Saturday, July 02, 2011 6:59 PM
CANTERBURY PARK
Ramsey County (Minnesota) Chief Judge Kathleen Gearin on Saturday denied Canterbury Park’s request that the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) continue to operate during the state shutdown.
Talks between Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and the legislative Republican majority fell apart earlier this week over fundamental political differences regarding taxing and spending, forcing the anticipated government shutdown that was announced early Friday morning. Although Canterbury is a privately owned entity—not dependent upon state money—it is overseen and regulated by a government agency, the MRC.
With no regulatory body in place, Canterbury Park was forced to cancel racing programs for Sunday and Monday, July 4. Racing on Friday and Saturday had already been canceled due to the state shutdown.
“I am extremely disappointed in Judge Gearin’s interpretation and ruling,” Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. “We will seek an expedited appeals process. This is potentially devastating to Minnesota’s racing industry.
“With no chance for the 1,300 horses stabled on the backside to compete for purse money, the danger is that trainers will begin to take their stables from Minnesota and once they do, they will not return,” Sampson continued. “This ruling puts the entire season in jeopardy.”
Canterbury Park distributed notices on Thursday to more than 1,000 licensed employees indicating they would be placed on a temporary unpaid leave of absence until operations were allowed to resume.
The MRC receives license fees from racetracks as well as all employees and horsemen. They also are paid in advance for expected expenses. No general fund dollars are used to operate the MRC.
“The company has paid a license fee. The employees, the horsemen and the vendors have, too. The expectation is that the MRC regulate our business,” Sampson said. “The MRC’s expenses for July have already been paid.”
The Fourth of July weekend is important for the company and popular with race fans. The yearly July 3 fireworks display traditionally attracts 12,000 people. With the shutdown, the fireworks display will not be held.
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Posted by: Myra, Port St. Lucie, FL on July 03, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Good for racing!!!
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Posted by: Michael, Tacoma, WA on July 02, 2011 at 07:10 PM
What state operates their agencies on Sat.,Sun.,and holidays?
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