H. Bruce Boreham, Downs Director of Public Relations. (Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame) By Track Historian Bob Gates On June 1, 1959 Assiniboia Downs General Manager, A. G. “Scotty” Kennedy announced that the Downs had appointed its first Director of Public Relations....
Jockey Ray Stewart, a native of Gladstone, Manitoba, seen here in Calgary, 1950 (Ray Stewart family) By Track Historian Bob Gates A funny thing happened on the way to this week’s tale of the turf—the original idea was set aside, thanks to a chance discovery. The title...
Winnipeg Futurity Announcement - Manitoba Free Press, March 19, 1928. by Track Historian Bob Gates As the end of June isn’t far off, we can look forward to seeing the “babies” (two-year-olds) make their way to the races. The stakes races for the youngsters include the...
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...
And they're off! (Jason Halstead) By Track Historian Bob Gates When opening night rolls around on Tuesday, May 13th it will have been 230 days since we said goodbye to “live” racing on September 24, 2024. Yes, it’s been about 7 ½-months since last year’s race meet...
Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present. ~ Unknown By Bob Gates Can you believe it, the middle of September has come and gone. The days are shorter, nights are cooler, and that means the 2024 live...
By Bob Gates Every now and again a story idea comes along, and I wonder how it is that I haven’t done it already. I’ve written well over 200 blogs, yet I somehow missed “Michigan,” and that just doesn’t seem right. Michigan Avenue was a stakes-placed gelding who...
By Bob Gates Since assuming my duties as your track historian 15 years ago, several interesting artifacts have been unearthed. You may have noticed some of them on display in the Downs Racing Through Time area. However, there are others waiting for their turn in the...
Jack Hardy Founder & President, Assiniboia Downs, 1958-1974 By Bob Gates Fifty years ago James C. Hardy, founder of Assiniboia Downs, presided over his final year of racing at our Portage Avenue racetrack. The 56-day season began on May 12 and ended on August 11,...
Gary Danelson Leading Trainer Plaque By Bob Gates This August 28th our dear friend from Scobey, Montana will be celebrating 87 trips around the sun and August 29th will mark the 65th anniversary of his first win at Assiniboia Downs. The other day I gave Gary a quick...