By G.S. Thompson
Assiniboia Downs Track Photographer Jason Halstead has put together a fabulous group of photos from the 2025 live racing season at Assiniboia Downs. An exceptional Sovereign Award-winning photographer who covers numerous sports for the Winnipeg Free Press and others, as well as horse racing, Jason has a knack for capturing both action and emotion. Just what we need in the horse racing game!
If you see something you like, or are looking for something frameable from your big race, or of your special horse, you can email Jason at jjhphoto@gmail.com.
Thank you Jason!
Photos and captions by Jason Halstead / ©Assiniboia Photo
Chris and Sherry Blatch check the race program after the first race of the thoroughbred racing season at Assiniboia Downs on May 13, 2025. The couple were in transit, moving from Drumheller, Alta., to Wasaga Beach, Ont., and stopped in for the night of racing.
All-time leading trainer at ASD, Gary Danelson (left), joins 2025’s leading trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. in the winner's circle after the latter’s victory in the seventh race on May 14 with Corredor, owned by Keplin’s Drop’en Racing and ridden by Damario Bynoe.
Rookie jockey Ciera Pruitt rides Mineral Rights to her first career win at Assiniboia Downs on May 27, 2025 — even though being narrowly “beaten” to the finish line by loose horse Dirty Flirt.
Former jockey Jerry Pruitt and wife, current trainer Lise Pruitt, celebrate their daughter Ciera Pruitt’s first career win aboard Mineral Rights at Assiniboia Downs on May 27, 2025.
Jockey Sven Balroop was wide-eyed as he headed for the winner's circle aboard Sophia's Storm after victory in the Red Berry Overnight Stakes on June 4.
Charlotte Johnston, groom for owners A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds and trainer Michael Nault, leads Betterlucknexttime out of the winner's circle in the warm evening sun after victory in the CTHS Sophomore Special on June 17.
Groom Christine Greaves goes nose-to-nose with Luka Grazie after victory in the fourth race on July 15.
Jockey Shavon Belle flexes as Rheco Gittens prepares Mighty Mikee for the winner's circle after winning Race 1 on July 30.
A racing fan models her equine-themed hat on Manitoba Derby night on Aug. 4.
Owner Randy Howg (rear) and jockey Rasheed Hughes react as they realize their horse Take Charge Tom has been disqualified from victory in the Manitoba Derby on Aug. 4.
Girls Night Out proved to be a very successful promotion this season on Wednesdays at ASD. Here, attendees take in the races on Aug. 6 under a dramatic sky.
Jockey Antonio Whitehall and his mount Betterlucknexttime ride through a spray of flying dirt to a fifth place finish in Race 5 on Aug. 13.
Racing fans enjoy a late-summer sunset on Aug. 19 as they took in the Graduation Stakes race won by Omaha Warrior.
Groom Julianna LeRoux reacts as she leaves the winner’s circle with Baby Gundin after victory in the Miss Imperial Overnight Stakes on Aug. 26.
Jockey Neville Stephenson (right) gets some feedback from his mount, Warren's Memorable, en route to a fourth-place finish in Race 2 on Aug. 27.
Jockey Rachaad Knights aboard Dreamin Out Loud leads the way in the fourth race on Sept. 9 underneath a big Harvest Moon.
Trainer Michael Nault (right) and co-owners Nolan Allard (left) and Phil Allard celebrate after their horse Betterlucknexttime ran to victory in the 56th running of the J.W. Sifton Stakes on Sept. 10.
Jockey Antonio Whitehall smiles as groom Dodie Chmilowsky kisses Omaha Warrior after victory in the 96th running of the Winnipeg Futurity Stakes for owners Bonnie McCrory and Gary Danelson, and trainer Jared Brown on Sept. 30.
All-time leading trainer at ASD, Gary Danelson, was all smiles as he headed for the winner's circle amid applause after the horse he co-owns, Omaha Warrior, ran to victory in the 96th running of the Winnipeg Futurity Stakes for trainer Jared Brown on Sept. 30.
Mighty Mikee shines as he runs to victory in the 63rd running of the Buffalo Stakes with jockey Shavon Belle on Oct. 1.
Mechanic Susie lets off a bit of steam as she heads for the barn with groom Eiffean Ricketts after winning the first race on Oct. 7.
Track Robber, winner of the final race of the season, heads for the barns with assistant trainer Eugene Burns on Oct. 8.