The Canterbury Park Hall of Fame will induct three new members in a ceremony to be held Friday, July 24 as part of Hall of Fame Weekend at the Shakopee, Minn. racetrack.
The Class of 2026 includes thoroughbred owner and breeder Pete Mattson, all-time leading money earning Minnesota-bred quarter horse Dickey Bob and former chief veterinarian and Minnesota Racing Commission chair Dr. Camille McArdle. The three join a group of more than 50 individuals and horses that comprise the best of Minnesota horse racing.
The green "MHC" silks of Mattson's stable combine two important facets of his life - his business and horse racing. Carried to victory by Minnesota-bred stakes winners Fireman Oscar, Doctor Oscar, Astronaut Oscar, Retired Kathy, Molly's Angel, Thealligatorhunter, Summer Winner and more, the biggest days at Canterbury Park were some of the best for Mattson. From his first win with a partnership in 1991 with Wild Moose Chase, to solo-owned winner Dazzle Baby in 2002, to an exciting debut win by home-bred Mighty Samurai in 2026, Mattson's support and success at Canterbury spans more than three decades.
READ: Owner/Breeder Mattson Sweeps Canterbury June 7 Stakes
Dickey Bob's first win as a 2-year-old and his final win at the age of 10 both came at Canterbury Park. There were 30 additional wins in between at multiple tracks for the son of Apollitical Jess at distances ranging from 110 yards to 400 yards. Out of the mare Paint or More, Dickey Bob is the richest of seven full siblings who combined earned nearly $1.5 million. Owned and bred by Bruce and Judy Lunderborg's Lunderborg LLC, Dickey Bob retired last year and is living on trainer Jason Olmstead's farm. His $529,119 in earnings over 70 races is the most ever by a Minnesota-bred quarter horse.
In 1985, Dr. McArdle was named the MRC's first chief veterinarian for the fledgling industry. She built the veterinary department around these core principles: protecting horses' health and the integrity of the sport. In 1993, Dr. McArdle was appointed to the Racing Commission during a time of transition. She provided steady leadership after the closure of Canterbury Downs at the end of 1992, then helped guide the sport into a new era with the opening of Canterbury Park in 1994. Serving under five governors over 41 years, she was named commission chair in 2021. Dr. McArdle resigned from the commission in 2025 after state government officials rejected her efforts to help Canterbury Park and Running Aces add new sources of purse revenue.
The Canterbury Park Hall of Fame was founded in 1995 to recognize people and horses that have made important and lasting contributions to the racing industry within the state. The selection committee consists of representatives of local horsemen organizations, media, and Canterbury Park.
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