Now that the Club is rounded out (202 members) and the paperwork to get the group licensed in Illinois is complete, it’s time to go shopping. Here are some bullet points on what we are generally looking for, though there are not hard and fast rules:
– The budget for 2 horses is right around $20,000. That could mean 2 $10,000 horses or other combinations. I like that level because there is the possibility to run for decent purse money while there are a few levels below just in case we need to drop down in class;
– A consistent finisher. This means, to me, a horse that we know if we run in the right spot we have a shot a winning since he’ll always give us an honest effort. A lot in the money finishes sprinkled with some wins is an indication that we have one that enjoys running and will give us a shot;
– Try an avoid a reclamation project. ASK EDDY was wonderful for us last year but we also got lucky. He was able to make up for his being on the bench for an extended period but usually when you get a project – especially with a group that has a short horizon – you run out of time before you can possibly earn your money back.
Claim Process
Prior to the race Clay and I will determine if there is a horse we want to go after. Clay will fill out the “claim slip” designating the horse that we want to buy, sign it and put it in a locked box in either the racing or bookkeeper’s office. When the race goes off the box is unlocked and the claim slip(s) are examined. If we have the only slip, properly filled out, we own the horse. If there is more than one slip on the same horse, each slip is given a number and similarly numbered balls are dropped in a bottle. The bottle is shaken, tilted and the first numbered ball falls out indicates the winner of the claim and the new owner of the horse.
The old owner of the horse wins any purse money while the new owner of the horse is responsible for the horse the moment the gate opens and the horse is considered a starter.
New MVP Cards
In case you are unaware, Canterbury Park has installed a new player tracking system which necessitates that everyone pick up a new MVP card – if you haven’t already done so over the last few weeks. You have all been entered into the system and just need to show your ID at one of the information desks to pick up your new card/first card. The new cards are necessary for you to receive your free admission throughout the season, so please remember to stop by and pick up your new card as the old cards are no longer active.
Canterbury Racing Club 
Ted anytime time table on getting horses. And if we got one soon would it only run at Canterbury or would we try a race at the claiming track? Thanks for the update!
Sam – no timetable. When we find a good one, we’ll go after it. If there is time between the claim and when Canterbury opens, we will certainly run at the claiming track if there is a suitable race. If the horse is ready, we’ll be racing.
Hello,
Is there any possibility of still participating in the year’s club?
Please let me know.
Thank you! Joe Vesey
C 952-300-5865
Sorry, Joe. We closed the last day of February. I hope you’ll follow us along and join us next year. The final accounting is done and licensing paperwork is submitted and final.
Thanks for the write up Ted! This is one big reason why I love this group even though I’ve been out at Canterbury since opening day 1985. I keep learning….for example, I always thought you owned a claimed horse when it crosses the finish line, not when the gate opens and declared a starter.
Good luck finding some horses!
Looking forwrd o this year! Will Clay be the only trainer looking for a horse for us? I noticed Bernell Rhone claimed one at Tampa this week ($8000) in his name so I wondered…..
As of right now, Clay will be our only trainer.
First time owner/partner and didn’t know that is how the claim process worked. Kind of crazy how if something “bad” happened during the race, the group claiming the horse is on the hook. Guess that is one of the risks involved. Excited for the first post with the purchased horse(s). Good luck everyone.
Since I live 150 miles away is there a way to get the MVp cards mailed to me for me and my wife?
Steve, I would defer that to Jeff and the folks at the track.
ted question have we or can a horse be claimed if our trainer is already training him such as manilla warrior in race 4 at hawthorne tmrw cant wait to see who our horse or horses are thanks rick pagel
A trainer cannot claim a horse off of himself, if I understand the question correctly.