With high heat indexes expected Wednesday and Thursday, Canterbury Park racing officials on Sunday pushed post time each night back two hours to 7 p.m.
Canterbury Park pushes back post times for Wednesday and Thursday because of heat
With a heat-index in triple figures forecast, Canterbury Park officials have moved post times for Wednesday's and Thursday's races to 7 p.m.
July 23, 2023 at 7:26PM
![The pack barreled down the turf track at the start of the $100,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes turf race Wednesday evening, June 22 in the Mystic Lake Northern Stars Turf Festival at Canterbury Park in Shakopee. The $150,000 Mystic Lake Derby headlined the Mystic Lake Northern Stars Turf Festival at Canterbury Park. ] JEFF WHEELER • Jeff.Wheeler@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/QOUTF5NQPK6JNWJYYOLXGTGBCY.jpg?&w=712)
"The decision to race later in the evening as temperatures drop is in the best interest of the racehorses and the people that work outdoors with them," Senior Director of Racing Operations Chris Merz said. "The Minnesota Racing Commission veterinary staff was consulted and the Minnesota HBPA, which represents owners, trainer and jockeys, is in full agreement. Making the decision today allows for everyone involved, including our racing fans, to make necessary adjustments."
Two turf races will be moved to the main track, as the turf course is not illuminated for racing after sunset. Race 7 on Wednesday will now be run at 5 furlongs on the main track. Race 6 on Thursday will be run at one mile on the main track.
Weather forecasts for those days call for temperatures in the upper 90s and a "feels like" temperature above 100.
Mark Vientos hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a five-run outburst in the fifth inning as the indefatigable New York Mets continued their thrilling week by beating the Milwaukee Brewers 8-4 in an NL Wild Card Series opener Tuesday.
