The Minnesota Racing Commission gives the Canterbury Harness Track permission to hold historical horse races

Despite resistance from Native American tribes that run casinos in the state, the Minnesota Racing Commission made a decisive 5-1 vote to give the green light to historical horse racing machines at Canterbury Park and the Running Aces harness track, as reported by the Star-Tribune. The commission approved a maximum of 500 machines per track starting from May 21.

The vote took place following a lengthy three 1/2-hour discussion filled with a variety of perspectives and viewpoints. During the discourse, track officials and horsepeople expressed concerns about the future of racing in Minnesota, suggesting that its existence may be in jeopardy. Canterbury's purse earnings experienced a significant decline of 21 percent in 2023 following the conclusion of a decade-long agreement with the esteemed Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, who are the proud operators of the renowned Mystic Lake Casino.

According to track officials, a study they commissioned has projected that in the second year, a whopping 500 HHR machines would bring in a staggering amount of almost $6 million. This substantial sum would be allocated towards purses, breeding incentives, aftercare, and regulatory expenses.