Committee considers residency pilot to boost Canterbury Park purses and backside programs

Representative Pat Tabke introduced House File 1540, a residency pilot program aimed at increasing the number of Minnesota‑owned thoroughbreds racing at Canterbury Park and directing resources to backside education and worker support programs.

Under the proposal, the pilot would provide $3.5 million per year for two years. Registered Minnesota‑owned horses that race at Canterbury Park would be eligible for a $750 residency award each time they run. Testimony from Andrew Dewar (representing the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association) and Justin Revak (president, Minnesota HBPA and racehorse owner) framed the program as a portable competitive incentive for mobile racing stables: greater purses and owner incentives attract more horses, which supports local agriculture (feed, hay, veterinary services) and the stable workforce.

Dewar described backside educational efforts (Furlong Learning) and mental‑health programs (Abijah’s) that serve stable workers and said the bill would fund and expand those services. Revak emphasized that 100% of the proposed funds would go to horsemen (not Canterbury Park) and that factors influencing where owners race include purse levels, a horse’s home track and quality of life for workers; he said the typical Canterbury thoroughbred races roughly four to five times per season, with two to four weeks between starts.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about program mechanics. Representative Lawrence asked whether the $750 is paid per horse per race (the author and witnesses confirmed it would be per horse each time it races at Canterbury). Representative Smith asked how many times a horse typically races; witnesses responded that four to five starts per season is common. The author moved to lay the bill over; the committee laid House File 1540 over.