Trainer Devon Gittens with his first “big horse” as a trainer, stakes-winner Purrsistent, owned and bred by Dr. Betty Hughes. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) By G.S. Thompson Following up with trainer Devon Gittens after his successful 2025 seasons at...
Amber Fehr was a successful participant in the 2025 Racehorse Groom Training Program! For anyone who has ever dreamed of working with racehorses, the HBPA of Manitoba Inc. is offering a unique chance to gain hands-on experience through a 4-week paid training program....
By Travers Cummings Broncos over Bills (Saturday afternoon): Josh Allen is the best player in the NFL, period. As good as he’s been, I don’t know how many people actually picked them to beat the Jags last week. Jacksonville had all the momentum heading into the game,...
Throughout his life after racing, Seattle Slew was tended to by his attentive groom Tom Wade. (Barbara D. Livingston) By G.S. Thompson Looking back over my 50-year career in horse racing from water-bucket carrier to groom to trainer to writer, I’ve met some pretty...
By Travers Cummings Rams over Panthers (Saturday afternoon): Well, even though they lost last week to the Bucs, the Panthers still find themselves in the playoff tournament thanks to the Atlanta Falcons’ victory over the New Orleans Saints. The Panthers, Bucs, and...
December Player’s Choice Tourney winner Brandon Barter with his handicapping assistant. By G.S. Thompson Brandon Barter won last Saturday's Player's Choice Tournament for the second time, but this time he won it by himself, and Roger Jones finally got what he always...
By Travers Cummings 49ers over Seahawks (Saturday night): I didn't think I would be writing about the 49ers playing for the number one seed in the NFC considering how the season started off. Losing Nick Bosa, losing Brock Purdy for a long stretch, losing Fred Warner,...
By G.S. Thompson The barn area fell silent on Christmas Eve, save for the scratchy backstretch speakers playing the local country music station. John Smith sat on a five-gallon pail outside stall forty-seven, nursing a lukewarm coffee while light snow drifted through...
Seahawks over Panthers (Sunday noon): Seattle had quite the comeback last week against the Rams in what was one of the best games of the year. After being down 30-14 in the 4th quarter, a punt return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed cut the deficit to eight points. After a...
Taboga wins the 1976 Manitoba Maturity. Her longtime companion, Rick Ball, far right. By G.S. Thompson A few weeks ago we wrote about Rick Ball and his favourite horse, Taboga. Sadly, Rick passed away on November 5, shortly after our final interview with him. During...