(Shakopee, MN) — Canterbury Park in Shakopee has been shut down from day-to-day operations since March 16th because of the coronavirus pandemic. The horse racing track furloughed 850 employees last week, meaning those workers will remain on health insurance through Canterbury Park, but will not be paid during the lay off. Earlier this week the track announced it will not start the racing season on the scheduled date of May 15. The 65-date racing meet was to run through September 12th. Canterbury Park spokesman Jeff Maday says the schedule is in limbo and they are in consistent communication with the state health department, the racing commission, and other top officials to help ensure that proper protocols be implemented to keep workers safe when the horse stabling area is approved for opening. Track officials hope they can open those stables at some point soon. Maday says the uncertainty is hard to deal with, especially when it impacts so many people. The Minnesota horse racing industry generates an estimated 400-million-dollars and contributes close to 5500 jobs in Minnesota, according to he Minnesota Racing Commission.
Canterbury Park spokesman Jeff Maday spoke with MNN Sports Director Mike Grimm:
