In 1990, Canterbury was bought by Ladbroke Racing Corporation and was renamed New Canterbury Downs. The introduction of the state's lottery and the widespread growth of casino gaming at Native American-hosted facilities in the area saw Canterbury Downs business repeatedly fall below revenue projections, and the track was sold in 1990 to Ladbroke Racing PLC. was awarded the state's first racetrack license by the Minnesota Racing Commission and the facility in Shakopee held its first race on June 26, 1985. Naming Santa Anita as its primary partner, Minnesota Racetrack Inc. after a constitutional amendment allowing parimutuel wagering on horse racing was approved by Minnesota voters in 1982. According to David Miller of the Daily Racing Form, 'Fields, along with his nephew Brooks Hauser, formed Minnesota Racetrack Inc. SeptemSeptemSeptemSeptemSeptemSeptemAugust 30, 2023Ĭanterbury Downs was founded by Walter Brooks Fields, Jr., and other investors.
