Player's Choice Tournament winner David Smook. by G. S. Thompson David Smook captured his first Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament title at Assiniboia Downs last Saturday, building his bankroll to an impressive $125.00 to claim the trophy and $1,000 prize money....
Jockey Sachin Parris and trainer Andre Ellis with their longshot winner Orcadian Storm. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson In the competitive world of horse racing, the partnership of jockey Sachin Parris and trainer Andre Ellis represents a compelling tale of...
By Track Historian Bob Gates On May 21, 2023, Canadian Hall of Fame jockey Irwin Driedger passed away following a long battle with cancer. Over the next four weeks, we will look back at some of Irwin’s 969 wins and remember the man who spent eight full seasons riding...
This is the last installment of our Ken Hendricks Snapshot in Time feature. In 2004, Hank piloted the favoured Deputy Country to victory in the 45th running of the R. J. Speers Stakes. It marked the last time Hank won the Speers—a race he captured a record-setting six...
Trainer Mike Nault exercising his new claim Load Abroad. (George Williams) By G. S. Thompson Nault Enters 2025 Season with "Best Stable Ever" Leading riders Prayven Badrie and Antonio Whitehall back in action Two-time leading ASD rider and reigning champ Prayven...
This is installment number three of our salute to the late Ken Hendricks. Hank won two Manitoba Derbies, and while most will remember his victory on Merry’s Jay in 1976, who recalls his win aboard Langara Island on August 7, 1995—30 years ago? Ken took charge of the...
This is Week #2 of our review of highlights from the late Kenny Hendricks’ career at Assiniboia Downs. On October 8, 1978 Merry’s Jay scored an upset win over heavily favoured Island Fling in the 21st Running of the Gold Cup. It was Hank’s third win in the classic and...
By Track Historian Bob Gates This past February 15, Ken “Hank” Hendricks passed away peacefully at the age of 75. Over the next four weeks, we will take a pictorial journey through just a few highlights of his career at Assiniboia Downs. “Hank,” as he liked to be...
By Bob Gates Our fourth and final Love Month tribute goes to Sacred Arrow. This chestnut mare raced from 1966 to 1969. She may not be the most well-known competitor, but there's something to appreciate about a June 10, 1967, photo featuring John and June Sifton. We're...
Eagles Defeat Chiefs 40-22 Well, that was unexpected. I don't know what made anti-Chiefs fans happier—watching Kansas City get annihilated from the start or the viral shot of a very sad-looking Taylor Swift in the private box. Either way, they probably slept very well...