By Bob Gates, Track Historian
With the Manitoba Derby just around the corner, how about another one of our Photo Blogs? They say a picture is worth a thousand words—so let’s not waste any time; we’ve got a lot to say.
The Derby photo archive is loaded with plenty of goodies. So, without further adieu, here are eight memorable pix from the past. Please enjoy—we’ll return to our usual Turf Tales soon enough.
September 3, 1930 – 1st Running
On September 3, 1930, Jack Whittier won the inaugural running of the Manitoba Derby—although from 1930 to 1933, the race was known as the Manitoba Stakes. Who knew? Seven of the 13 horses that went to post for the one-mile, $2,000-added purse event had “Whittier” as part of their name. (Winnipeg Free Press Photo)
July 15, 1973 – 25th Running
The 25th running of the $100,000 Manitoba Derby saw eastern invader Zaca Spirit go gate to wire on July 15, 1973. The winner’s share of Canada’s second-richest thoroughbred race was $60,000. It was also Zaca’s first win in six 1973 starts. Queen’s Plate winner Royal Chocolate had to settle for second. (Gerry Hart Photo)
August 3, 1998 – 50th Running
A Fleets Dancer overcame pre-race jitters, found his stride, and drew off to win the 50th edition of Manitoba’s Derby under the skillful handling of jockey Real Simard. The “Dancer” was a real handful in the barn that day—kicking his stall and biting his handlers—but when they turned for home, the big Alberta chestnut colt rallied three-wide and powered past his rivals. (Gerry Hart Photo)
August 7, 2023 – 75th Running
Henry Witt Jr. had been the Downs’ leading owner for five consecutive years. Jerry Gourneau had captured four leading trainer titles. Jockey Antonio Whitehall had topped the leading rider board twice. Yet none had won the Manitoba Derby—until Mano Dura, a $32.80 longshot, changed all that in the 75th running of the $125,000 Derby. August 7, 2023, was a record-setting day: fans wagered $434,109 on the Derby and $3,708,804 on the full seven-race card—both all-time track records at Assiniboia Downs. (Jason Halstead Photo)
August 8, 1964 – 16th Running
In 1965, Assiniboia Downs created a two-sided handout to honour the winner of the 1964 Manitoba Derby, Langcrest. In the 16th running, Langcrest had it all his way, trouncing the field by 14 lengths—and he could have won by more. The well-bred colt chopped nearly two seconds off the existing track record for 1¼ miles. This marked the first time a special horseshoe-shaped winner’s circle in the infield was used for post-race presentations. (Assiniboia Downs Archives)
August 7, 1965 – 17th Running
Parade Marshals Vic Clare aboard Whitey and John Ragen on JB were on hand to greet guests arriving for the 5th annual Manitoba Derby Breakfast at St. Charles Country Club in 1965. The breakfast was a Derby Day tradition from 1961 to 1970. This elegant event came to an end when St. Charles could no longer accommodate the ever-growing “by-invitation-only” Derby crowd. (Assiniboia Downs Archives)
July 19, 1969 – 21st Running
On July 19, 1969, jockey Dick Armstrong won his first—and only—Manitoba Derby aboard Fire N Desire. The 21st running treated fans to a virtual match race between the winner and Icy Song, ridden by Avelino Gomez. The Winnipeg Free Press headline said it all: “Fire N Desire Had Just Enough of Both.” The winning Quinella combination of 3 & 4 returned a record-low payout of $3.10. One day later, another Armstrong—Neil—made history when Apollo 11 became the first manned mission to land on the moon. (Gerry Hart Photo)
August 6, 2018 – 70th Running
In 2018, Sky Promise won the 70th running of the Manitoba Derby. The August 6 victory was the first in a trio of wins for the bay colt, who went on to take the Canadian Derby (August 25) and the British Columbia Derby (September 8). In 2023, these three races officially became known as the Western Canadian Derby Series, now offering a $100,000 bonus to any horse that sweeps all three. (Jason Halstead Photo)
We hope you enjoyed this Manitoba Derby photo album! Don’t forget—the Derby goes Monday evening, August 4.
Be sure to check out our Manitoba Derby photo display at the track. You’ll also find a special “Assiniboia Downs Remembers” exhibit featuring Derby memorabilia from yesteryear. Drop by to enjoy a wonderful assortment of Derby-related items dating back to the early 1960s.
Happy Manitoba Derby, everyone!