Canterbury Park Officials announced on January 16 that Chris Merz had been hired for the position of senior director of equestrian operations.
Merz, who will begin his duties in early February, is racing director and racing secretary at Santa Anita . Park in Arcadia, Calif., as of 2020.
Canterbury CEO Randy Sampson said: “We are delighted that Chris is joining our team and bringing his racing office experience at the highest level of racing to Canterbury Park. “We believe he will be a great fit for the position and will continue the upward trajectory we’ve had with our live racing product. Bring Chris into the helm of our racing operations. I’m another sign of Canterbury Park’s enduring commitment to the horse racing industry in Minnesota.”
Merz will oversee all aspects of the race live at the Shakopee, Minn. track, overseeing Canterbury’s race secretary, racing operations manager, turf and field director, and the person in charge of the race. stable area management. He will also act as liaison to the Minnesota Racing Commission, race managers, office staff and veterinary staff, and act as a corporate informant to the Association. Purebred Minnesota. He is also responsible for compliance with HISA regulations.
Merz said: “I want to thank Randy Sampson and his team for trusting me with this opportunity. “Minnesota has a thriving motorsport industry and Canterbury Park is committed to expanding that field for generations to come. I’m delighted and grateful to be part of that vision and look forward to the future. what we will achieve together.”
Merz, 32, also served as racing secretary at the Maryland Jockey Club, assistant racing secretary at Racetrack Los Alamitos in California, and stake coordinator in both Del Mar and Golden Gate Fields.
“When I graduated from the University of Arizona Track Industry Program in 2012, I had formidable goals,” says Merz. “I would never have been able to achieve them without the mentorship and opportunity offered to me during my time at 1/ST Racing. My thanks and appreciation goes to the management team, coaches, owners and members of the racing department.. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Merz also serves on the American Graded Equity Committee and the field selection committee of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship.
This press release has been edited by BloodHorse Staff for content and style.
