Page 13 - December 2017

2015 AQHA Champion Jockey Ricky Ramirez received the Jacky Martin Award, which was presented by G.R. Carter Jr. at the Convention
cut short when a 2 year old he was piloting fell after the wire and Leggett sustained paralyzing injuries. With the support of his family and his extended racing family, Leggett continues to work hard in physical therapy and can now walk a short distance with the assistance of a walker.
CANTERBURY PARK REVEALS REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
On Nov. 21, Canterbury Park revealed
a $300-400 million preliminary plan for a multi-phase redevelopment named Canterbury Commons on 380 acres of its Shakopee, Minnesota, property.
The “live, work, play” theme includes a luxury apartment complex, upscale townhomes, 55+ housing co-op, office park, extended-stay hotel, water park, community gathering places, entertainment venues, and several restaurants and specialty retail stores. The plan requires support of four out of five members of the council
and, if approved, Canterbury Park will bring a preliminary proposal to the council in early 2018.
“This exciting plan for the future of Canterbury Park and Shakopee includes many concepts that will benefit our community,” Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. “With Canterbury Commons, we’re hoping to create a new space to live, stay, work and play. Those ideas are embodied in this plan that will enhance our thriving city and region.
“Since 1985, Canterbury Park has been a catalyst for economic growth in Shakopee and Scott County. The area has grown up around us.
Tad Leggett, a Hall of Fame jockey at Canterbury Park, was awarded the Ron Turcotte Courage award, which was also presented by G.R. Carter Jr.
Existing land use restrictions and transportation infrastructure have limited our ability to grow with the surrounding community however,” Sampson added.
The project appears to have the support of local officials.
“As a community, we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Canterbury Park, Doran Companies and many other businesses ready to invest in Shakopee’s future,” Shakopee Mayor Bill Mars said. “I am very excited to work together with Canterbury Park on how we can add unique new ways to live, work, and play here at home.”
RUIDOSO RAISES TRIAL PURSES
The trial purses for the 2018 Triple Crown series – both futurities and derbies – will be doubled from $4,000 to $8,000. The New Mexico track also offered a lower supplemental nomination fee with a December 15 deadline.
“The new ownership of Ruidoso Downs wants to invigorate the Triple Crown racing series and as an incentive for horse owners, we are offering a one- time reduction in the supplemental nomination fee,” said Stan Sigman, spokesperson for the four- member ownership group of All American Ruidoso Downs, LLC, (AARD). The new ownership completed the acquisition on October 12, 2017.
“Ruidoso Downs expects an increased number of supplemental entries will be received before the new deadline and that a higher percentage of Triple Crown nominees will make sustaining payments, thereby increasing the total
Triple Crown purses,” said AARD President/ GM Jeff True.
The additional $4,000 for the trial purse increase is sourced from the nomination accounts. The New Mexico Horsemen’s Association has approved the changes, and the increases were pending NMRC approval at press time.
The new owners of Ruidoso Downs and the Ruidoso Horse Sale Company announced new policy and procedures that will take
effect for the 2018 season at the track. The All American Ruidoso Downs (AARD) ownership and management stated that the new rules are be implemented to “provide fairness, stability, and integrity for all who race, buy and sell here. Simply stated, the opportunity to race
at Ruidoso Downs is a privilege granted by its owners and not a right. And for that privilege, rules must be followed.”
The stated parameters and rules of participation were developed by AARD in
close cooperation with the New Mexico Racing Commission, and many rules are codified by the New Mexico law and NMRC regulations. The complete list of rules can be found at www. raceruidoso.com.
INDIANA DATES APPROVED
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission approved Indiana Grand’s 2018 racing dates during their Dec. 6 meeting. Thoroughbred
and Quarter Horse racing will be held April 17-Nov. 7. Six dates during 2018 will be dedicated to all-Quarter Horse racing. Those dates will be determined in early 2018. The $500,000-guaranteed Grade 3 Indiana Derby will highlight a full stakes schedule in 2018. The complete stakes list will be announced in early 2018.Visit www.indianagrand.com for the latest news from Indiana Grand.
SPEEDHORSE, December 2017 11
TRACK CHATTER
Jamie Linscott
Jamie Carter of Jockeys Guild
Jamie Carter of Jockeys Guild