Harness track opposes deal between Canterbury Park and Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Minnesota Racing Commission will hold a special meeting this afternoon to consider a proposed agreement that would send millions of dollars to the state's horse racing industry.

Earlier this month, Canterbury Park horse race track and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announced a new partnership. The tribe said it would provide about 75 million dollars to fatten the track's purse sizes over ten years. In return, Canterbury would drop its pursuit of slot machines and oppose efforts at the legislature to establish racinos.

But the state's other racetrack, Running Aces Harness Park, got nothing out of the deal. John Derus is a Running Aces board member. He spoke with Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer about why he opposes the deal.