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...
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....
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...
By Track Historian Bob Gates … at least that’s what they say, and who exactly are “they?” Even AI – Overview wasn’t much help. “There isn’t a single person credited with originally saying "records are made to be broken" it’s a common sentiment that various athletes...
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...
Eventual R. C. Anderson Stakes winner Twolefttoload trails the field early in the race. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) By G.S. Thompson Twolefttoload went from last to first to win the 50th running of the R.C. Anderson Stakes; jockey Sven Balroop topped all...
Robert James Speers circa 1940 by Bob Gates, Track Historian Ever notice that time seems to move more quickly than it used to? The Kentucky Derby and Mothers’ Day are now firmly in the rearview mirror. This year’s race meet at Assiniboia Downs will mark several...
ASD 2024 Leading Rider Prayven Badre with his double stakes-winner Blazing Bo in trainer Mike Nault's barn. (George Williams) by G. S. Thompson Jockey Prayven Badrie is back to defend his 2024 riding title, and he's ready! But he’ll have quite a bit of competition for...
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...