Horse breeders excited by additional purse money at Canterbury Park

The horse barns at Canterbury Park are quiet. The horses are all gone. The stalls cleaned out. The track's season ended a few days ago and it was quite a finish.

Attendance was up to levels not seen since the track reopened in 1995. The total amount of money bet on races at the track was also up by nearly 9 percent over last year.

Plus, the horses were running for significantly more prize money. That's due to a deal worked out between the track and the nearby Shakopee Mdewankaton Sioux tribe earlier this summer.

Next year, there will be even more purse money available and that has Minnesota horse owners and breeders already planning for the 2013 season. Thoroughbred horse breeder Jeff Hilger of Stillwater spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about next season.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.