Leading trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. (right holding trophy) was all smiles after winning the Chantilly Stakes with Ginas Serenade on Wednesday. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Trainer Steve Keplin, Jr. won three of the four stakes and opened up a big...
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...
Jockey Prayven Badrie returns aboard Sharp Likeness after winning the fifth race on Tuesday for trainer Jason Gourneau. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) by G.S. Thompson Jockeys Praven Badrie and Damario Bynoe stole the show this week at ASD! Badrie won four races...
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...
Dragon Drew ($43.10) and Ciera Pruitt win the seventh race on Tuesday night at ASD for trainer Tom Gardipy, Jr. resulting in a massive $1 Pick 4 payoff of $9,039.10. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Trainers Steve Keplin, Jr and Devon Gittens were...
Mike in the paddock with Souvenir Zone in September 2009. (Bob Gates photo) By Track Historian Bob Gates The news came via social media: Mike Olito had passed away on April 25th. As the date for his celebration of life on May 19th approached, I found myself thinking...
Randy (left) at Winnipeg Jets game. By G.S. Thompson Randy Premachuk won the monthly handicapping tournament at Assiniboia Downs for what has to be a record eighth time on Tuesday night, taking home the $3,500 first prize once again for his astute handicapping. The...
Groom Hannah Kraychuk leads Sawasdee and jockey Ronald Ali into the winner’s circle after his victory in the S S Pee Wee Stakes on Tuesday evening. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson There was a feast of overnight stakes this week at ASD and wagering...
Polo Park opening day full page ad (Winnipeg Tribune, June 11, 1925) By Track Historian Bob Gates This coming June 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Polo Park Racetrack. It was the beginning of a run that lasted 31 years and 22 days. Billed as...
By Track Historian Bob Gates When you walk through the main entrance at the Downs and make your way to the Guest Services area, don’t be surprised if you start to feel a tad nostalgic. Cue Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone music—for you have just entered the “history zone.”...