Last week, Running Aces Board Member John Derus criticized the recent pact between Canterbury Downs and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community, which will see Canterbury purses bolstered by the native casino.
As part of the deal, Canterbury will oppose all legislation in the state which would call for expanded gaming at Minnesota racetracks. For year, Canterbury and Running Aces had teamed up in an effort to bring more gaming options to their respective raceways.
A report by minnpost.com explains that Derus feels that the state racing commission rushed the approval of the deal and did not consider the effect of the decision on Running Aces.
"I don't know what the rush to judgment is," Derus told the commission. "We hope you'll consider the damage this could do to us."
He went on to say, "Everyone thinks this is the best thing since sliced bread. We feel like we're the red-headed stepchild living in the attic."
(With files from minnpost.com)