SHAKOPEE, Minn., July 1 (UPI) -- Local businesses in one Minnesota city fret about what the closure of Canterbury Park racetrack as a result of the shutdown of state services.
Canterbury is one of the largest employers in Shakopee, Minn., and draws thousands of visitors for horse races and special events.
Besides shuttering the track, about 1,000 employees received layoff notices, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Friday.
The state shut down Friday, the start of its new biennial fiscal year, after Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and leaders of the Republican Legislature failed to agree on a budget.
"There are a lot of people who are going to be without a job, which means they're not going to be spending money at our local businesses," said Brad Tabke, chairman of the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce.
Canterbury President Randy Sampson said in a statement a shutdown of more than a week or two may prompt owners and trainers to move their horses to other racetracks.
"It is possible that Canterbury and its horsemen could lose the remainder of their racing season," he said.
Besides closing betting windows at Canterbury Downs, the state government shutdown means no lottery ticket sales.
