Groom School graduate and former Groom of the Year Skyla Blanchard loves her job. (George Williams) Looking for a hands-on way to get involved in the horse racing industry? The HBPA of Manitoba Inc. is offering a 4-week paid Racehorse Groom Training Program, a chance...
Fast as Flight wins the Modesty Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day for former ASD leading trainer Martin Drexler. by G. S. Thompson Former Assiniboia Downs leading trainer Martin Drexler has come a long way from his days carrying water buckets and...
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....
John Whitehill won the November Player’s Choice Tourney at ASD with a huge bankroll of $136.60! By G.S. Thompson Retired bricklayer John Whitehill outdistanced the field to win the November Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament at ASD last Saturday with a big winner...
Rick Ball (center) holding on to Taboga in the winner’s circle. Remembering Rick Ball and the Horse Who FloatedMay 4, 1958 - November 5, 2025 By G.S. Thompson Veteran horseman, elite salesman, sought-after hockey player, part-time singer, and former Assiniboia Downs...
Jim Wright with General Manager Bill Clubb (Gerry Hart) By Track Historian Bob Gates If you remember Mood Rings, Rubik’s Cubes or Pet Rocks then you were a graduate of 1975. News events of the day included: Jimmy Hoffa disappears from a restaurant parking lot in...
August ASD Handicapping Challenge winner James Werry. By G.S. Thompson A decision made on post parade proved to be the winning move for veteran handicapper James Werry on Tuesday night, who won the ASD Handicapping Challenge by $8.70 with a bankroll of $60.10. Werry...
2025 Manitoba Derby winner Attack (checkered blinkers) and jockey N'Rico Prescod early in the running of the 77th Derby. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson The 77th running of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby resulted in record-breaking wagering, trainer...
By Track Historian Bob Gates The Manitoba Derby is now in our rearview mirror, and we still have another half of the 2025 racing season to enjoy. Where does the time go? Speaking of time, track photographer Jason Halstead is in his 10th year with Assiniboia Downs. It...