We Spent an Afternoon Watching Hounds and Horses Race at Canterbury Park, And You Can Too!
I don’t know the first thing about horse racing, but when I heard there were going to be basset hounds racing in between the horse races at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, I squealed with excitement and immediately purchased tickets!
I grew up with basset hounds and my husband and I are currently puppy parents to one named Wally who is quite the character, to say the least. Wally is a stubborn old boy with a back injury so he wouldn’t do well in a race, but it is pretty hilarious to watch his ears flap when he does get a burst of energy to run around. So the thought of seeing several dozen basset hounds propel themselves forward with those floppy ears was the burst of serotonin I needed after months of being stuck inside.
The Basset Hounds race in-between the horse races, so we enjoyed nearly non-stop excitement all afternoon. I’m not one to place bets, but it was really fun feeling the energy from the crowd as they cheered on their horse to win!
The Minnesota Basset Hound Rescue had several booths set up and hounds you could snuggle with. They are an amazing organization that helps educate and find homes for these lovable goofs. You may just find yourself falling in love with these short-legged, rolley-polley pups after seeing them race.
But don’t take my word for it, there’s still time to check out the dog races for yourself!
Basset Hound Racing Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021
• First horse race at 1 PM
• Six Basset Hound races between horse races
• Pony rides 12:30 – 4 PM
Want to see even more puppies? Canterbury Park is hosting short-legged dog races including Weiner, Corgi, and Basset’s, the winners from each will race for the top spot this Labor Day weekend for the Best-in-Show championships.
