Fort Garry

Stars of the Western Canada Handicap

Stars of the Western Canada Handicap

by Bob Gates Polo Park racetrack played host to some of the most historic races in Western Canada including the Manitoba Derby, Canadian Derby, Winnipeg Futurity and the Western Canada Handicap, the latter of which featured some of the greatest weight carriers  in...

The Early History of the R. J. Speers Stakes. 1926-1956

The Early History of the R. J. Speers Stakes. 1926-1956

by Bob Gates On Saturday, June 29 "The Speers" celebrates its 60th running, but what most don’t realize is that there is more than 90 years of history behind the race that honours Robert James Speers, the "Father of Thoroughbred Horse Racing" on the Canadian prairies....

Max Freed Plays “Let’s Make a Deal” with Monty Hall

Max Freed Plays “Let’s Make a Deal” with Monty Hall

by Bob Before telling you about this Manitoba racing icon's deal with TV game show host Monty Hall, let me give you some background on one of the greatest and well-known local horseman, Max Freed. Max was born to David and Tilley Freed on February 22, 1912 in...