As soon as the amendment passed, Kostohryz introduced a parimutuel bill in the legislature and Minnesota's horseracing industry was out of the starting gate. The idea of creating a horse-racing industry in Minnesota began to take shape in 1982 when State Representative Dick Kostohryz pushed Minnesota voters to approve a constitutional amendment allowing parimutuel betting in the state. The company also rents its facilities for special events and hosts community-oriented celebrations.
Since 1998, the track has hosted the Annual Claiming Crown meet, giving Canterbury Park national exposure. In 2000, the Canterbury Card Club began offering unbanked card games 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Simulcast race proceeds are used to subsidize onsite racing purses. Canterbury Park also offers patrons daily simulcast races from around the country for wagering. It is the state's only parimutuel horseracing facility. Canterbury Park conducts live thoroughbred, quarterhorse, and harness racing with approximately 60 live-race days annually from May to September.
The company's primary business operations are parimutuel horse racing and unbanked card games (in which patrons play against one another, rather than the house). Canterbury Park Holding Corporation owns and operates the Canterbury Park Racetrack and Card Club in Shakopee, Minnesota, a short drive south from both Minneapolis and St.
