Canterbury’s New Owners Get Go-Ahead

Canterbury Downs is set to open Friday as scheduled after the new owners and operators of the Shakopee track got approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission for the necessary licenses.

The Racing Commission on unanimous voice votes Monday granted the ownership license to New Canterbury Downs Partnership, co-owned by Detroit businessmen Herbert Tyner and Bernie Hartman and Ladbroke Racing Corp. of Great Britain.

The commission also voted to grant an operating license to Ladbroke, which runs tracks in Detroit, San Francisco and Pittsburgh.

A 122-day racing schedule is planned for the track’s sixth season, beginning Friday and continuing through Oct. 8.

Canterbury Downs has been in and out of financial difficulty since its opening in 1983. Racing commissioners expressed hope that the Detroit owners and Ladbroke will signal a new beginning in Minnesota’s only pari-mutuel horse racing track.

“I’m relieved and very optimistic about the future of this operation,” said state Gaming Commissioner Tony Bouza, who sits on the Racing Commission but doesn’t have a vote. “I’m convinced we are dealing with honest, tightfisted business people.”

Total cost of the buyout from Minnesota Racetrack Inc. was estimated at $21 million.

As part of the deal, the track’s official name will be changed to Ladbroke at Canterbury Downs. William Bork, Ladbroke’s vice president of operations, will serve as interim general manager of the track.

The commission also approved several operating changes at the track, including night racing Wednesday through Friday.