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Claiming Crown Eligibility Restrictions Changed for 2008

December 11, 2007 -- Shakopee, MN -- Racing's unique day for "blue collar runners", Claiming Crown, will return to Minnesota next year on Saturday, August 2, when Canterbury Park, in the Minneapolis suburb of Shakopee, hosts the $600,000 event for the eighth time in 10 years. Last year's renewal took place at Ellis Park in Henderson, Ky. In 2002, Claiming Crown was held at Philadelphia Park.

"Everyone connected with Canterbury Park is eagerly looking forward to hosting Claiming Crown in 2008," said Randy Sampson, the track's president and general manager.

Eligibility restrictions on prospective Claiming Crown horses have been relaxed somewhat for 2008. To be eligible for any of the seven 2008 Claiming Crown races, which will have purse values ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, a horse must have started for or below the specified claiming price in 2007 or 2008. Previously, a horse had been required to start for or below the specified claiming price within the 12-month period leading up to Claiming Crown day.

"This lengthening of the qualifying period was suggested by numerous owners and trainers who have participated in prior Claiming Crowns," added Sampson. "It's a good idea that will open the event to a larger population of Thoroughbreds each year.

The seven races are:

$50,000 Iron Horse, three-year-olds and up, starters for $7,500 or less, one mile and one-sixteenth.
$50,000 Express, three-year-olds and up, starters for $7,500 or less, six furlongs.
$75,000 Glass Slipper, fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up, starters for $16,000 or less, six furlongs.
$75,000 Rapid Transit, three-year-olds and up, starters for $16,000 or less, six furlongs.
$100,000 Tiara, fillies and mares, three-year-olds and up, starters for $25,000 or less, one mile and onesixteenth on turf.
$100,000 Emerald, three-year-olds and up, starters for $25,000 or less, one mile and one-sixteenth on turf.
$150,000 Jewel, three-year-olds and up, starters for $35,000 or less, one and one-eighth miles.

For additional information please contact Claiming Crown Coordinator Nat Wess at 800-340-6361 or 952-496-6411 or nwess@canterburypark.com.

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