The average attendance for the 62-day live racing season at the Shakopee racetrack was 6,595 -- a new record at Canterbury Park, the Shakopee Patch writes. That's up 7.3 percent compared to last summer -- which was 6 days shorter because of the state government shutdown. The amount of money wagered was also up 25 percent this year.

The bargain calls for the tribe that operates neighboring Mystic Lake casino to pay Canterbury Park $75 million over 10 years. In return for that cash infusion to boost its purses, the Shakopee track will give up its long-running push for slot machines. The Running Aces harness racing track is not part of the deal and argued against it.

It looks like horse racing might return to Fargo as soon as this summer after being shut-down for two years because of major debt. Forum Communications reports the horse park has paid off several thousand dollars and found new revenue streams. The commission is set to discuss racing dates later this month.

The newborn colt might be the best athlete in Minnesota in no time.

Minnesota has relatively low incidences of horse and jockey injuries at Canturbury Park according to an analysis by the New York Times. But other states with fewer regulations and bigger purses ballooned by slot machine gambling don't fare as well.

The Minnesota Racing Commission will hold a special meeting next week in Shakopee to discuss the proposed deal. The Mdewakanton Sioux Community has agreed to pay $75 million over the next decade to boost racing purses at Canterbury Park. In exchange, the racetrack would drop its longstanding push to add slot machines and help block any plans to expand gambling in the Twin Cities. The agreement needs approval from the Racing Commission.