by Track Historian Bob Gates Tucked away between the Red River and the CNR main line embankment in St. Boniface lies a recreational green space called Whittier Park. However, Father Time and the flood of 1950 have erased any evidence of the old racetrack. The only...
by Track Historian Bob Gates How about something just a little different this go around? Our subject this week is race programs of the past, but not just any old programs. Those that follow are special in their own way and with one exception are from my private...
By Track Historian Bob Gates Have you ever wondered what inspires these stories from our racing’s past, a song, a smell, or perhaps even a line from a movie? This time around it’s a quote from the CBS television series NCIS. “We all die twice. Once when our bodies...
By Track Historian Bob Gates The 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby – check. Mothers’ Day Brunch at the Downs – check. So now you know live racing at our Portage Avenue track is just around the corner. Throw in a surprise telephone call from long-since retired...
by Bob Gates The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead, prepare for it. The present is here, live it. -– Thomas S. Monson It’s been three and a half months since starter Derek Corbel sent the first field of horses on there way to kick-off the Downs 2023...
by Bob Gates How do you pay tribute to the father/son duo of Jean-Louis and Pierre-Louis, who were important contributors to the history of Assiniboia Downs? It isn’t an easy task, but let’s give it a go. First, we should acknowledge the elephant in the room....
by Bob Gates Deep within the confines of the north end of the Assiniboia Downs grandstand on the lower level is a restricted area where only jockeys, valets and officials are allowed. Of course, this is “The Room,” the place jockeys call home. Thoughts on the Room:...
by Bob Gates Jim and Hazel Wright are the ultimate example of one of those husband/wife partnerships in our Assiniboia Downs family. For the better part of 20 years they owned and operated the Downs. When the time came for them to step away, they did what they could...
by Bob Gates Wasn’t that a Derby! A record-breaking $3,708,804 was wagered on Manitoba’s most prestigious race, making the historic 75th running of the Manitoba Derby the largest Derby Day handle, bettering last year’s mark of $3,523,260. Congratulations to winner...
by Bob Gates In a little more than two weeks the Manitoba Jockey Club will present the historic 75th running of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby. Historic? Yes! There is something special about the phrase the “75th Running.” A possible topper to our upcoming milestone...