Assiniboia Downs history

95 Years of the Winnipeg Futurity – In Pictures

95 Years of the Winnipeg Futurity – In Pictures

Winnipeg Futurity Announcement - Manitoba Free Press, March 19, 1928. by Track Historian Bob Gates As the end of June isn’t far off, we can look forward to seeing the “babies” (two-year-olds) make their way to the races. The stakes races for the youngsters include the...

A Small Tribute for a Big, Big Man – Michael Thomas Olito

A Small Tribute for a Big, Big Man – Michael Thomas Olito

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...

Assiniboia Downs Honours Local Horse Racing History

Assiniboia Downs Honours Local Horse Racing History

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.”...

Unsolved Mysteries: Assiniboia Downs Edition

Unsolved Mysteries: Assiniboia Downs Edition

Island Fling in 1979 with the original Gold Cup trophy By Bob Gates Nothing draws more attention than a good mystery. The mere mention of Loch Ness, Stonehenge, Bigfoot, Amelia Earhart or the Bermuda Triangle will captivate any audience. Our focus on the local horse...

Victory Gift: Three Generations of Success

Victory Gift: Three Generations of Success

Victory Gift, September 4, 1948  By Bob Gates Victory Gift: Three Generations of Success Over the years Assiniboia Downs has been blessed with some of the finest fillies and mares in horseracing.  We thought we had seen the best of the best with likes of: Miss Missile...

Rangatira: Power, Class & Heart

Rangatira: Power, Class & Heart

By Track Historian Bob Gates Every once in a while a horse comes along with a unique combination of qualities that separates him from the rest.  Lloyd Gray & sons’ Rangatira was a racehorse that ticked all the boxes. He was a gelded son of 1955 Horse of the Year...

“The Inaugural” – A 45-Year History

“The Inaugural” – A 45-Year History

by Track Historian Bob Gates It’s Pop Quiz time.  Who remembers the Inaugural Handicap, the horses, riders and trainers?  Well buckle-up friends, you’re about to partake in a whirlwind tour as we look back at the history of the race most knew simply as “The...

Assiniboia Downs All-Time Leaders: Trainers Edition

Assiniboia Downs All-Time Leaders: Trainers Edition

by Track Historian Bob Gates Most local racing buffs already know that veteran horseman Gary Danelson is the current Downs All-Time Leading Trainer (ATLT).  Coming into the 2024 season Gary had notched 1,250 wins here. It’s a challenge to tell the history behind the...

Quinellas I have Known

Quinellas I have Known

by Track Historian Bob Gates On June 16, 1934 quinella betting was introduced to Winnipeg racegoers at Polo Park racetrack.  Traditionally the wager was offered on the final race of the day.  The bet called for picking the first two finishers, regardless of order....