The purse increases for Wally’s Choice Stakes and Glitter Star Stakes, both of which will take place on Saturday, August 12, were announced today by the Canterbury Park racing office. Both stakes will now offer a $65,000 wallet, an increase of $15,000 each. The funds in the additional wallet are the result of the Minnesota Thoroughbred Society’s sponsorship with JTR Roofing, Inc. of Lake Elmo, Minn., American Roofing Supply and SureTeed Corporation.
“JTR Roofing is proud to sponsor these state-bred races and support the Minnesota Purebred Association,” said Dan Strohkirch, sales manager for JTR Roofing, Inc.. “I’ve been in horse racing all my life and have been a promoter of thoroughbred horse breeding in Minnesota. This sponsorship is a way to give back to an industry that’s so important to our state.” Strohkirch’s father, Dennis, started farming in 1983 on his farm in Grant, Minn.
Both races were conducted at a distance of 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Wally’s Choice is only for Minnesota-bred mares 3 years of age or older while Glitter Star is for state-bred mares and mares 3 years of age or older.
“MTA appreciates the support of JTR Roofing, American Roofing Supply and CertainTeed,” said MTA CEO Kay King. “This is an exciting addition to these holdings. Breeders and owners work hard to bring horses to this point in their racing careers. It’s great to see them being rewarded by companies willing to invest in our Minnesota crossbred horse industry.”
August 12 is held at Minnesota Night at Shakopee Racecourse, Minn. There will also be a $100,000 Minnesota Derby and a $100,000 Minnesota Oaks Championship for state hybrids at 1 mile 70 yards. The first post is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. CT.
The Minnesota Thoroughbred Society was founded in 1971 with a mission to promote, educate, and support purebred breeding, property rights, and racing in the state.
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