The 2002 Live Racing season opens on Friday night

The action of summer horse racing kicks off once again with the live racing season kicking off at Canterbury Park on May 17. The 62-day event once again reflects the success of Canterbury Park, where wallet levels remain at record levels in 2001, with 29 races worth more than $1 million including Thoroughbred and quarter horse races.

The daily wallet figure is a continuation of a series of increases that began in 2000, driven by the success of the Canterbury Card Club. Two years ago, daily wallets were expected to average about $100,000, a significant increase from the 1999 figure. For 2002, the average daily wallet will be more than $120,000. The consistent wallet structure proved attractive to riders, with Canterbury Park expecting to be able to accommodate 1,600 horses again. Last year, the influx of horses saw a similar influx of new trainers and riders, complementing a group of respected home-going passengers. Most of these new faces have turned around. "What's particularly interesting is that the new faces of last year are welcoming another summer," said President Randy Sampson. "It's a testament to our growth and products that both magicians and customers are willing to come back again and again." 바카라사이트 추천

On the track, jockey Derek Bell returns to defend his back-to-back riding title, which finished second to Bell last season and faces fierce competition with Seth Martinez, who is currently seventh in the country with 106 wins at Phoenix Turf Paradise.

There are two pairs of outings scheduled for the best horses kept in Minnesota for the opening weekend. The 2002 steak schedule begins on Saturday afternoon with $35,000 to $10,000 Lake Stakes for top state-bred colts and geldings. On Sunday afternoon, the Phillies and mares in turn will be joined by two-time defending champion Nidari Bell in the $35,000 Lady Slipper Stakes.