1969 Manitoba Derby

Fire N Desire’s 1969 Derby “Orbit” Turns 50!

Fire N Desire’s 1969 Derby “Orbit” Turns 50!

by Bob Gates It's been 50 years since Fire N Desire won the 21st running of the Manitoba Derby. The recent media flood of documentaries reminds us of another event that shares this anniversary. Fire N Desire's July 19, 1969 Derby romp took place on the eve of the...

Dynamic duo dominated rider standings at Downs for 10 years

  Bobby Stewart and Dick Armstrong had different styles, but got similar results. They won. by Bob From 1962 to 1972, two jockeys dominated the leading rider standings at Assiniboia Downs. In that 11-year period George Richard “Dickie” Armstrong and Robert Roy...

A Derby Tale Out of This World

by Bob On Monday, August 6, the Manitoba Derby will celebrate its 64th running, but this past July 19 marked the 43rd anniversary of what might have been the best ever Derby run at Assiniboia Downs – one that was just out of this world. The 1969 classic had all of the...