Minnesota racing would not be what it is today without the vision of Curt Sampson and others. Without his love of horses and his willingness to take a chance on a shuttered racetrack, many of us would never have had the opportunity to be involved in the breeding and owning of racing Thoroughbreds and Quarterhorses in our own backyard. Curt Sampson passed away on July 16th at the age of 87.
As a successful entrepreneur and business man, Curt always made a point of making everyone he met feel as though they were an important part of Minnesota’s racing culture. He appreciated people for their contributions and made certain they knew it. He could often be seen offering advice and information to Canterbury Park patrons and I’ll always remember him taking a moment to pull any rogue weed that had the nerve to grow in the Paddock when Marian and her Garden Club were responsible for the beautiful flowers that we’ve all come to expect at Canterbury.
Curt Sampson was one of the good guys and will be missed by everyone whose life he touched. Arrangements will be shared when details are available.
Godspeed Mr. Sampson. You’ll undoubtedly be watching over the Canterbury oval from the best seat in the house.
