Bobbie Dimma

Secretariat’s Triple Crown: A Half Century Later

Secretariat’s Triple Crown: A Half Century Later

by Bob Gates As the opening passage starts, “In the beginning…” One of the greatest horses in the history of horse racing made his first start on July 4, 1972. In time he would become America’s horse, so how fitting is it that Secretariat would go to post on...

Strawberry Shortcake, a Leather Coat and the Flying Filly

Strawberry Shortcake, a Leather Coat and the Flying Filly

by Bob Gates There is nothing sweeter than the memories evoked by one of God's majestic creations - the thoroughbred racehorse.  Almost 50 years have passed since the talented bay filly, Ruling Lark ruled the roost at Assiniboia Downs. I have wanted to do the story of...

Gone but not forgotten, two promising apprentices from 1967

Gone but not forgotten, two promising apprentices from 1967

by Bob This week we remember two promising young apprentices who got their start at Assiniboia Downs in the 1960s, Bobbie Dimma and Vernon Sayler. Most of us are familiar with "Bobbie". Yes, that's how his name appeared on his birth certificate, Bobbie not Robert,...