Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Racing And Agriculture Economics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Proposal would fund two‑year residency pilot to boost Minnesota‑owned thoroughbreds at Canterbury Park
Summary
Representative Tabke presented House File 15 40, a two‑year pilot proposing $3.5 million per year to provide $750 per start to registered Minnesota‑owned thoroughbreds racing at Canterbury Park and to fund backside programs.
Representative Tabke moved House File 15 40, a proposal to create a residency pilot for Minnesota-owned thoroughbreds that would provide $3,500,000 per year for two years. Under the bill as presented, registered Minnesota-owned horses that race at Canterbury Park would make the horse eligible for a $750 payment each time it races at the track; proponents said a percentage of funds would support backside educational and mental-health programs and retired-horse support.
Andrew Dewar and Justin Revak of the Minnesota Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association testified in support. Dewar described the agricultural links to the racing industry — feed, hay and veterinary services — and noted equines are livestock under Minnesota statute. He highlighted local programs such as Furlong Learning (backside tutoring and ESL) and an equine mental‑health program called Abijah that provides support to stable workers and first responders.
Revak described the industry as a "mobile sports franchise" and said horses travel to tracks based on purses, home‑track ties and quality of life for workers. He said Canterbury's facilities and community are assets but that declining purses have made it harder to retain horses. Revak said the pilot would increase purses to attract and retain Minnesota horses and that funds would not be paid to Canterbury directly but would be distributed to horsemen and programs; he also said a portion of funds would support retired-horse placements.
Committee members asked about logistics. Representative Lawrence asked whether the $750 applied per horse per race; the author and a horsemen representative confirmed the award would apply per horse when it races at Canterbury and that an average horse races about 4–5 times per season. Representative Tabke said the racing season begins around Memorial Day.
Representative Tabke moved to lay House File 15 40 over; the committee laid the bill over for further consideration.
