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...
Competitive fires still burning in local living legend by Bob Who knew? Downs’ legendary graded stakes-placed and multiple stakes winner Smoky Cinder, a grandson of the mighty Northern Dancer, is alive and well at 20! One night at the track I approached the man...
First Manitoba-bred ever to win the Manitoba Derby by Bob In 1976 Merry’s Jay won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes. Eight days later he became the first Manitoba-bred ever to win our own Manitoba Derby. Only two other horses have won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes (which is...
High class Manitoba thoroughbred family resulted in Santa Anita Derby-G1 winner by Bob In 1992 local legendary trainer, the late Don Gray, described 3-year-old Body Works as the best filly he had ever trained. That’s about as high praise as you can get around...
Kives' classy chestnut speedster one of the best ever to race at Downs by Bob This past Monday marked the 37th running of the $30,000 Canada Day Stakes for fillies and mares. Officially it may have been the 37th running, but a quick glance back at the record...
Chantilly winner was one of the best 3-year-old fillies in Downs' history by Bob Ever since its inaugural run in 1981 the Chantilly has featured some of the finest 3-year-old fillies ever to run at Assiniboia Downs! This year’s edition goes Wednesday, June 26...
Frank Arnason Sire Stakes named after someone very special by Bob The Frank Arnason Sire Stakes goes this Saturday, June 22 and marks the 26th running of the $25,000 race for Manitoba-bred 3-year-olds going 6 furlongs. The race pays tribute to Franklin Marino...
People who had never been to the track before came just to see him by Bob This week’s featured stakes race is the 53rd running of the $30,000 Free Press Stakes. The Free Press, run on Father's Day Sunday, June 16, is the first major stakes race for 3-year-olds...
A $2,000 bargain yearling, the "Bull" was fast from the start by Bob The 37th running of the $30,000 Golden Boy Stakes, which showcases the finest 3-year-olds at the Downs going six furlongs, ran Wednesday evening, and was won by the classy Stormin Monarchos,...
