The Minnesota Festival of Champions began in 1992 at what was then Canterbury Downs, organized by owners and breeders to showcase Minnesota- breds and racing in Minnesota as Ladbroke, the owners at that time, had neglected racing and were preparing to close the track. The inaugural Festival was indeed the final day of racing until 1995 when Canterbury Park, under the direction of Dale Schenian, Curt Sampson and son Randy Sampson, opened for a live race meet. A race meet has been conducted each summer since and Minnesota Festival of Champions remains a centerpiece.
Northern Lights Futurity 2yo / MN 6 furlongs $75,000
Northern Lights Debutante 2yo f / MN 6 furlongs $75,000
Crocrock Minnesota Sprint 3 & up / MN 6 furlongs $50,000
Bella Notte Minnesota Distaff Sprint 3 & up f/m / MN 6 furlongs $50,000
Blair’s Cove Minnesota Turf 3 & up / MN 1 1/16 turf $50,000 Princess Elaine Minnesota Distaff Turf 3 & up f/m / MN 1 1/16 turf $50,000