Randy (left) at Winnipeg Jets game. By G.S. Thompson Randy Premachuk won the monthly handicapping tournament at Assiniboia Downs for what has to be a record eighth time on Tuesday night, taking home the $3,500 first prize once again for his astute handicapping. The...
Groom Hannah Kraychuk leads Sawasdee and jockey Ronald Ali into the winner’s circle after his victory in the S S Pee Wee Stakes on Tuesday evening. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson There was a feast of overnight stakes this week at ASD and wagering...
Polo Park opening day full page ad (Winnipeg Tribune, June 11, 1925) By Track Historian Bob Gates This coming June 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Polo Park Racetrack. It was the beginning of a run that lasted 31 years and 22 days. Billed as...
By Track Historian Bob Gates When you walk through the main entrance at the Downs and make your way to the Guest Services area, don’t be surprised if you start to feel a tad nostalgic. Cue Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone music—for you have just entered the “history zone.”...
Jockey Ciera Pruitt (#9) scores her first lifetime win aboard longshot Mineral Rights ($41.60) in the seventh race on Tuesday for trainer Jason Homer, triggering a huge Pick 4 payoff. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia photo) By G.S. Thompson Two huge Pick 4 pools and a...
Sophia’s Storm wins the 6th race on Wednesday for trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. Sven Balroop up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. surged to the lead in the trainer standings Wednesday night with back-to-back wins, trainer Tom...
by Bob Gates Has there ever been a more iconic catchphrase in all of horse racing? Who remembers that it also doubled as the name of a weekly newspaper feature that ran in the United States and Canada from 1960 to 1972? These shortest of short stories were written by...
Longshot Just a Pose (inside) wins the fifth race at ASD on Wednesday evening for trainer Lise Pruitt, giving new jockey Mathew Bennett his first ever win at ASD and triggering a huge Pick 4 payoff. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Two days of live...
Robert James Speers circa 1940 by Bob Gates, Track Historian Ever notice that time seems to move more quickly than it used to? The Kentucky Derby and Mothers’ Day are now firmly in the rearview mirror. This year’s race meet at Assiniboia Downs will mark several...
ASD 2024 Leading Rider Prayven Badre with his double stakes-winner Blazing Bo in trainer Mike Nault's barn. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson Jockey Prayven Badrie is back to defend his 2024 riding title, and he's ready! But he’ll have quite a bit of competition for...