Blog
Nault Enters 2025 Season with “Best Stable Ever”
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...
Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates
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...
Groom School Open for Applications
Hannah Kraychuk has been grooming horses for trainer Jared Brown for four years. She loves her work. And her horses. (George Williams) Learn How to Become a Racehorse Groom! Spring training is underway and the annual Manitoba HBPA Groom School is now taking...
Stallion Profiles: Vindgari, Absolutely Stylish, Hay Listen Up
Saskatchewan sire Vindgari is a half brother to Grade 1 stakes winner Geri, shown here winning the 1997 Woodbine Mile. (Michael Burns photo) by G. S. Thompson We complete our analysis of Manitoba/Saskatchewan stallions this week with our final three sires: Vindgari,...
Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates
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...
Horses Arrive in the ASD Backstretch
Groom Katie Morris in the ASD backstretch (George Williams photo) Horses have arrived in the ASD backstretch for 2025! Trainers Wendy Anderson, Mike Taphorn, and Devon Gittens all have horses in the backstretch now with more coming in shortly. The training track is...
Manitoba Stallion Profile: Nonios
Manitoba sire Nonios winning at Santa Anita. (Benoit Photo) Manitoba Stallion Profile: Nonios (Pleasantly Perfect-Stylish Manner by Touch Gold) A Grade 3-winning son of Dubai World Cup (G1) victor Pleasantly Perfect, Nonios offers Manitoba breeders access to a...
Snapshot In Time by Bob Gates
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...
Winnipeg Transit Driver Roger Jones Rides Quarter Horses to Tournament Victory
Player's Choice Tourney winner Roger Jones In a sport where conventional wisdom often dictates strategy, Roger Jones took the road less travelled at Assiniboia Downs last Saturday, and it led straight to the winner's circle. The veteran handicapper captured the...
Manitoba Stallion Profile: Speculating
Speculating, a royally-bred Manitoba stallion Manitoba Stallion Profile: Speculating (Medaglia d'Oro-Well Dressed by Notebook) A royally-bred son of leading sire Medaglia d'Oro, Speculating offers Manitoba breeders access to one of North America's most prolific and...