Canterbury Park Holding Corporation ("Canterbury Park") hosts parimutuel wagering on live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing at its facilities in Shakopee and parimutuel wagering on races held at out-of-state racetracks that are simulcast to the racetrack.

The introduction of the state's lottery and the widespread growth of casino gaming at Native American-hosted facilities in the area saw Canterbury Downs business repeatedly fall below revenue projections, and the track was sold in 1990 to Ladbroke Racing PLC.

In late 1993, Canterbury was bought by Irwin L. Jacobs, who quickly sold it to Curtis and Randy Sampson.

Shortly after the sale, the Sampsons worked to revitalize Canterbury, so that it reopened its doors to simulcasting, and it quickly paid off its debt.

[4] Ramsey County District Judge Kathleen Gearin rejected a court case by Canterbury's owners to reopen it.

Staff members include KFAN radio personality and Vikings announcer Paul Allen and Bally Sports North commentator Kevin Gorg.

[9] About two weeks later, Merz announced that he had resigned from Canterbury Park and a track spokesman said that the decision to eliminate the run-up would be reconsidered.