Mike in the paddock with Souvenir Zone in September 2009. (Bob Gates photo) By Track Historian Bob Gates The news came via social media: Mike Olito had passed away on April 25th. As the date for his celebration of life on May 19th approached, I found myself thinking...
Groom Hannah Kraychuk leads Sawasdee and jockey Ronald Ali into the winner’s circle after his victory in the S S Pee Wee Stakes on Tuesday evening. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson There was a feast of overnight stakes this week at ASD and wagering...
Polo Park opening day full page ad (Winnipeg Tribune, June 11, 1925) By Track Historian Bob Gates This coming June 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the opening of Polo Park Racetrack. It was the beginning of a run that lasted 31 years and 22 days. Billed as...
By Track Historian Bob Gates When you walk through the main entrance at the Downs and make your way to the Guest Services area, don’t be surprised if you start to feel a tad nostalgic. Cue Rod Serling’s Twilight Zone music—for you have just entered the “history zone.”...
Jockey Ciera Pruitt (#9) scores her first lifetime win aboard longshot Mineral Rights ($41.60) in the seventh race on Tuesday for trainer Jason Homer, triggering a huge Pick 4 payoff. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia photo) By G.S. Thompson Two huge Pick 4 pools and a...
Jockey Sachin Parris and trainer Andre Ellis with their longshot winner Orcadian Storm. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson In the competitive world of horse racing, the partnership of jockey Sachin Parris and trainer Andre Ellis represents a compelling tale of...
Trainer Lise Pruitt with 2024 Rangatira Stakes winner Explosive. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson "I can't wait to start," said trainer Lise Pruitt. "Can't wait." Pruitt is looking forward to the start of the 2025 live racing season at Assiniboia Downs on Tuesday,...
Trainer Judy Hunter has won 459 races at a 21-percent clip over the course of her 47-year career. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson When Judy Hunter walks through the backstretch at Assiniboia Downs, you can feel the weight of racing history moving alongside her. At...
Top ASD trainer Jared Brown enjoying a walk in the backstretch Thursday morning. by G. S. Thompson Trainer Jared Brown is back in action at Assiniboia Downs with a 26-horse stable, and it appears he could be heading for another great year. Brown, who first arrived at...
by G. S. Thompson "Longshot Les" Buzzell captured his second Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament title at Assiniboia Downs last Saturday, but if you think he did it by taking wild stabs in the dark, think again. The 61-year-old Montreal native, who owns a...