Blog
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...
Manitoba Stallion Profile: Red Knobs
Red Knobs wins the 2022 Manitoba Derby (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia photo) Manitoba Stallion Profile: Red Knobs Union Rags-Hokey Okey by Lonhro (AUS) A classic-winning son of leading sire Union Rags, Red Knobs brings versatility, stamina, and a prestigious...
Snapshot In Time – Sacred Arrow
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...