The world champion colt with Manitoba breeding, Goldencents, is pointed to a race this Saturday, Nov. 27 that could solidify his chances of being named the top 3-year-old male of the year. Fresh from winning the world championship $1 million Breeders' Cup Mile...
Chalk up a historic "golden" moment for Manitoba on the world stage of horse racing. Goldencents, the 3-year-old colt born to Assiniboia Downs mare Golden Works, crushed 10 rivals in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile-G1 last Friday in the Breeders' Cup...
by Bob Track photographer Gerry Hart retiring? No, but while this may not be Gerry’s final season at the Downs, it will probably be the last year that he operates on his own. Maybe we should think of his work cut-back as more of a “partial eclipse.” Gerry has...
by Bob Uene was one of those special horses that left his hoofprints on the heart of Assiniboia Downs even though he only raced at our local oval for two short seasons. How does something like that happen? First of all, he came to the Downs with plenty of...
by Bob The story of Omar’s Gift is the stuff that legends are made of! There was a time when most everyone knew the story of Omar’s Gift, but not so much any more, and as your historian, that’s where I come in, to make sure that legendary tales like this one...
by Bob Today we remember an Aussie lass whose looks were nothing special, but could she run! Admiration was a bay mare owned by K5 Stables. Actually at that time it was still the K4 Stables that ran at the Downs from 1980 to 1983. K-Tel founder Phil Kives...
by Bob So what do an Egyptian God and a horse named Papyrus have to do with our Osiris Stakes? According to Egyptian mythology, “Osiris” is the name given to the god of the afterlife. It is also the name of a racehorse that was foaled in England in 1926....
The "Pride" of Stoneacres Farm was one flashy filly! by Bob Who was the greatest filly or mare to ever race at the Downs? Questions like this are fun. They inspire debate and good-natured banter, and let’s face it; there just isn’t a “right” answer. Essentially...
Not a horse was born that he wouldn’t ride! by Bob Perhaps legendary Downs' trainer, the late Don Gray, described him best when he said: “He is outstanding on horses that are a little erratic or nervous. He’s always shown ability. He’s a really strong finisher....
by Bob Anyone who has been around the Downs for a while has likely heard of Cecil Filby, and as our Manitoba Derby fast approaches some may wonder why I selected him for this week’s remembrance. Was it for his accomplishments in our prestigious Derby? Was it for his...