Racing Commission approves Running Aces' 2026 racing requests, OKs $795,000 breeders supplement and hears industry updates

The Racing Commission approved four Running Aces submissions for the 2026 meet and heard a slate of industry reports on financing, staffing and litigation.

By separate voice votes the commission approved: the pari-mutuel wagering format and 2026 post times (unchanged from 2025); the export/site list for off-track wagering partners; the seasonal racing officials list; and the Minnesota Standardbred Breeders Committee's request to supplement 2026 purses to the tune of $795,000.

Commission staff moved each item and the chair called voice votes; the motions passed without recorded roll-call tallies in the transcript.

Canterbury Park representative Mr. Samson reported several staffing departures (including the gate/starter and a track superintendent) and said the track will promote an experienced assistant to superintendent. He emphasized the card room remains Canterbury's principal revenue source and that purses are contractually held at last year's levels but face pressure from declining handle and shorter meets. "We are projecting a total of $5.7 million to be available for the purse account in 2026," staff noted in the Running Aces presentation, and discussed efforts to supplement purses through legislative channels.

On legislation, Mr. Samson told commissioners the larger sports-betting bill that would route tax revenue to the racing industry is politically uncertain this year. He described a separate ADW (advanced-deposit wagering) proposal meant to permit Minnesota residents to wager on Canterbury or Running Aces races from inside the state and estimated ADW could increase purses by roughly 10% from current levels if enacted: "I would say that we can increase our purses by about 10% from where they are now," he said.

Staff also briefed the commission on a recent order in ongoing litigation with remote/virtual tracks: a three-member panel issued an order directing changes to the 2025 assessment methodology and assessed roughly $5 million across affected tracks, giving them a short window to pay or risk signal restrictions; staff noted appeal options are available and that the matter may proceed to federal court.

Running Aces' representative said 61 stall applications had been received so far (near last year's number), promotional calendars and new premium add-on offerings are nearly finalized, and backstage staffing had not produced immediate shortages. Partner representatives thanked the commission for approving breeder supplements and highlighted community events tied to the season.

Next steps: staff will process the approved applications for the 2026 meet; the commission will continue to monitor legislative developments and the assessment litigation; and the commission set its next meeting for April 16 at 4 p.m.