Proposed gaming deal could change horse racing in Minnesota

Canterbury Park
Horses race and Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., in this 2009 photo.
Flickr user FranklinPhotos

Canterbury Park horse race track and the Shakpoee Mdewakanton Sioux Community recently announced a deal that could have a big impact on horse racing in Minnesota.

Canterbury agreed to drop its longtime pursuit of slot machines in exchange for $75 million to fatten its purses over 10 years. The deal would protect the tribe's lucrative casinos and also raise prize money for horse racing. The Minnesota Racing Commission is expected to vote on the proposal next week.

Earlier this year, Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Jeff Hilger, owner of the Bleu Valley Farm in Stillwater, one of the largest and last farms in Minnesota where thoroughbred horses are being bred. At that point, Hilger said the horse industry was dying in Minnesota because other states were attracting the best horses by offering bigger purses.

Hilger joined Morning Edition again, to discuss how the proposed deal would change that situation.

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