Racing Through Time
by Bob
If you haven’t already noticed, Assiniboia Downs has gone to great lengths to make available to its patrons a historical display that commemorates more than a century of horse racing in Winnipeg.
The display’s name “Racing Through Time.”
Located just inside the front doors to the grandstand where the old turnstiles once stood is now an area dedicated to remembering our horse racing past.
The display includes a “Wall of Champions” that features framed photos of the 29 jockeys who have won the leading jockey title at the Downs since 1958. These 28 men and Vicky Baze represent the best the Downs had to offer from its jockey colony over the last 57 years. Included in the array of photos are three record setting saddlesmiths:
Ken Hendricks: All-Time Leading Jockey – 1,666 wins
Bobby Stewart: Most season titles – 6
Irwin Driedger: Most wins in a single season – 214 in 1981
Leading Trainers at ASD 1958-Present.
The jockey photos are complemented by block mounts of the 26 men and the only woman, Shelley Brown, who have won the leading trainer title dating back to the Downs first season in 1958. Fifty-seven years of trainer history reveals the following record holders:
Gary Danelson: All-Time Leading Trainer – 1158 wins
Ardell Sayler: Most season titles – 12
Tom Dodds: Most wins in a single season – 78 in 1990
Several photos, newspaper articles and posters also share space on the Wall of Champions. Historical memories of River Park, Whittier Park, Polo Park and the early days of Assiniboia Downs hang side by side as a tribute to the past.
Leading Jockeys at ASD 1958-Present.
In the center of the floor are the two trophy cases that were moved from their home in the second floor clubhouse so that they could take their rightful place among the racing artifacts. Each holds five trophies with the “star” attractions being the silverware that celebrates 267 years of winners:
The Winnipeg Futurity – 2015 marks its 86th running
The Manitoba Derby – 67th running this year
The Gold Cup – 58th running
The R.J. Speers Memorial – 56th running
And then we come to the three history cases, each anchored by a special cooler blanket.
1948 Canadian Derby:
This blanket was won by Scotty Kennedy’s filly Victory Gift back when the Canadian Derby was run at old Polo Park. Photos in this case include icon Robert James Speers and our own Albert Edward Blake. Those who knew the ever-modest Blake know how much he would have hated being singled out for his contribution to racing over the years.
1969 Manitoba Derby:
Trophy Cases of ASD History!
The cooler blanket of Fire N Desire is truly a treasure and only recently found its way back to the Downs after many years in exile in Ontario. Other jewels in this case include photos of: the Queen from the 1970 Manitoba Centennial Derby; Merry’s Jay – the first Manitoba bred to win the Manitoba Derby; and jockey Bobby Stewart in the paddock at Churchill Downs on his mount Ocean Roar in the 1969 Kentucky Derby.
1966 City of Crookston Purse:
The winner of this race was David Swail’s very nice mare, Saugeen Linda. Also featured are tributes to the late great trainer Don Gray and the Downs’ All-Time Leading Trainer, Gary Danelson.
And tucked away behind guest services is the cooler blanket belonging to the 1981 winner of the Manitoba Stakes, Will Scoot Away, which adorns “Thunder”.
The best way to get a proper appreciation for the various memorabilia is to check it out! The Racing Through Time display is available for your viewing pleasure every day, all year long.
Please drop by and ready yourself to be transported back in time. Hope you enjoy the trip!
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Historian can use your help!
Do you have any old Downs’ programs or win photos from the 1950s, 60s or 70s? You can donate them or if you prefer I will scan and return them to you unharmed. You can contact me by way of the Downs General Office with your particulars and I’ll be in touch.