Out of work jockeys often drift aimlessly across airport runways, lethargically slapping riding crops against passing planes and bucking baggage handlers. Keep their noble profession alive with today's Groupon: for $12, you get five admissions with programs to any live race day at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis (up to a $25 value). Admission can be applied to one race or spread out across several events through Labor Day.

A first-rate entertainment haven, Canterbury Park is a popular destination for horseracing, poker, and casino games. Equine gazers can rain roses on a swift contingent of eye-blurring mares or awkwardly present a salt-lick bouquet to such superstar steeds as Sheso Dazzling, Hidden Gold, and Smarty Prance. Cozy indoor and outdoor seating grants peepers a panoramic view of the stomping grounds, and a complimentary program adroitly unfolds the day's festivities. Patrons can heighten their horseracing experience with a slew of promotional events throughout the summer, including a craft-beer event June 24, a fireworks show July 3, and a wine soiree August 19. Gambling guests can take advantage of Canterbury's online-education courses, on-track seminars, and handy wagering guide to ensure they aren't bilked by malevolent cigar-chomping stallions. Check out the season's full schedule here.

Canterbury Park's 300,000-square-foot grandstand features three levels for racing, along with an 18,000-square-foot Card Club. A free parking lot accommodates 10,000 vehicles. Lodging is available at nearby Shakopee Valley RV Park and an array of local hotels, which may or may not be haunted by a comely chambermaid with electric eels for arms.

Canterbury Park offers its own deals during certain events that might be better values than this deal; plan ahead to make sure you're redeeming your Groupon at the most opportune time.