The Inside Track | Issue #133 | May 24, 2024 | |
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ASD Hours
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- VLT machines are sanitized between use
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2024 Live Race Dates
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Monday, May 20 to Tuesday, September 17 - click here for schedule
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- ASD 50/50 Every Live Race Night
- ASD Opens 2024 with Stellar Performance
- Mustard Honoured with Award of Distinction
- HBPA/CTHS Award Winners
- Have You Ever Wanted to Own a Racehorse?
- MB Food Truck Battles
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Sonora Cisco
- MyRacehorse Makes 2,570 Owners Happy
- Belmont Stakes Still an Option for Mystik Dan
- Legendary Horsemen Leave Mark on Preakness
- Preakness Stakes Replay (Full Race) | NBC
- Bob's Blog
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Las Vegas Challenge Tournaments:
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, June 17
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 8
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 29
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, August 19
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, September 16
PRIZES: The tournament winner receives a trip for two to Las Vegas and a trophy (the winner will be provided $3,500 to book their trip to Las Vegas). Second place finisher will receive a $500 deposit to their HPI account, the third place finisher will receive a $250 deposit to their HPI account.
Entry fee into the Las Vegas Challenge is $50 but can be reduced by qualifying on Assiniboia Downs’ race cards leading up to the tournament. To qualify you must select the horse that you think will win each race on the Assiniboia Downs race card. Email your selections for that race night to Sheri at sherig@ASDowns.com prior to the start of racing. If you select three winners on the race card, your entry fee is reduced to $25. For every other race card that you select three winners on your entry fee is reduced by another $5.
2024 Tournament Winners:
- Player's Choice - Saturday, January 20 - Winner: Ron Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, February 17 - Winner: Trevor Phelps
- Player's Choice - Saturday, March 16 - Winner: Don Allard
- Player's Choice - Saturday, April 13 - Winner: Myron Fedoruk
- Player's Choice - Saturday, May 11 - Winner: Kevin Arnst
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Join us today in the Club West Gaming Lounge and discover why we're the ultimate destination for VLT entertainment in the area!
Premier Amenities
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Spacious Area: Our gaming lounge provides ample room for you to relax and enjoy your gaming experience comfortably.
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Sanitization: VLT machines are sanitized between use.
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Great Customer Service: Our friendly staff is dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring your visit is enjoyable from start to finish.
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Licensed Lounge: Sip on your favourite drinks from our licensed lounge while you play.
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Food & Drink: Indulge in delicious food and drinks available right in the gaming lounge.
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New! Draws for $500 in the VLT Lounge
Starting Monday, June 3, a draw for $500 Cash will be made every race night in the VLT lounge following Crazy Hour!
Daily Draws for Cash
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Lucky Stars: Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash.
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Lucky Spins: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enter for a chance to win $20 in free VLT spins. Keep what you win!
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This Season we will be featuring a 50/50 draw EVERY race night with proceeds benefiting Final Furlong and the Winners Foundation.
The winning ticket on Monday, May 20 was worth $2,010 and the winning ticket on Tuesday, May 21 was $1,000. Tickets for Monday, May 27 are on sale now!
- The 50/50 draw will be made each race night at 10 p.m.
- 1 ticket for $10, 10 for $20, 50 for $50, 200 for $100
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Tickets can be purchased from the VLT cashier’s cage, Guest Services, from the designated 50/50 seller or online at 5050.ASDowns.com
- Ticket sales close at 9:50 p.m.
- You don't have to be in attendance to claim your prize
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Winning ticket numbers are posted at 5050.ASDowns.com
- Manitoba Jockey Club LGCA-5630-RF-44247
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HPI Bonuses
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3% Cash Back ASD Special - Wager $40 or more on Assiniboia Downs Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28 and get 3% cash back. Minimum wagered $40. Maximum cash back $100. Must opt-in at HPIbet.com.
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There's Always a Deal at ASD! | |
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$11.95 Daily Lunch Specials
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks from our Club West Dining Room menu or try our ever changing $11.95 lunch special.
Along with our fantastic lunch specials, we also offer happy hour food and drink specials and weekend food deals. Click here to find out more!
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Special Offer!
$10 off Live Racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet |  | |
To celebrate live racing, we are offering $10 off our Certified Angus Prime Rib buffet on Monday, May 27 & Tuesday, May 28
Reserve your table today for our renowned Certified Angus Prime Rib buffet. Live racing and a prime rib buffet - it doesn't get much better than that!
Buffet highlights include signature Certified Angus prime rib of beef carvery, seafood table featuring jumbo shrimp and salmon, fresh salads and side dishes prepared with locally grown vegetables.
Rotating entree selections of tender grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, sticky BBQ ribs, roasted meats and artisan sausages.
Dessert table features warm fresh baked pies and your choice of ice cream plus cheesecakes, tortes and our famous bourbon bacon brownie.
The table is yours for the entire evening and includes complimentary racing programs and tip sheets.
Adults - $54.95, Seniors (65+) - $49.95, Children 6 to 12 - $32.95, Children 5 & under - $19.95
Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330 and mention the promo code LIVE10 to receive this special offer!
Click here for our 2024 racing schedule.
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Offer is valid on the dates below only:
- Monday, May 27
- Tuesday, May 28
Cannot be combined with any other offer.
USE PROMO CODE LIVE10
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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ASD Opens 2024 Race Meet with Stellar Performance
History-making opening day includes Treaty One flag raising, Indian Relay Racing
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Treaty One Flag raised in ASD Infield. L to R: Peguis First Nation Councillor Linda Sinclair, Treaty One Knowledge Keeper Jim Sinclair, ASD CEO Darren Dunn, Treaty One Director of Communications Vic Savino, Tahliah Savino (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Assiniboia Downs kicked off the 2024 racing season with impressive results over the opening two days, signaling an exciting year ahead for fans and horseplayers.
The Downs made history on opening night Monday, May 20 with the raising of a Treaty One flag in a well-attended cultural ceremony highlighted by prayers, Indigenous dancers, and traditional drum music, followed by the integration of live thoroughbred racing and Indian Horse Relay racing for the first time ever in the province.
And the crowd loved it!
"The excitement around opening day was over the top this year,” said ASD CEO Darren Dunn. “Monday’s attendance was one of the largest we have seen in recent memory. The wagering was fantastic, and the atmosphere was electric, especially with the Indian Horse Relay racing as part of the Manito Ahbee Festival and the historically important flag raise. It sets the tone for a great season!"
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Indian Horse Relay Races took place between live thoroughbred races for the first time in history on opening night at ASD, Monday, May 20, and the fans loved it! (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Further enhancing the Indigenous presence at the track on Monday was the fact that all six races were won by Indigenous trainers. Reigning leading trainer Jerry Gourneau picked up where he left off in 2023, winning two races on Monday, and singles went to trainers Tom Gardipy, Jr., Will Tourangeau, Marvin Buffalo, and Mike Nault. Steve Keplin, Jr. added another Indigenous victory on Tuesday to make it 7-for-13.
Additional winning trainers on Tuesday included Jamie Hartmann, Carl Anderson, Devon Gittens, Doug Mustard, Wendy Anderson, Mike Taphorn, and newcomer Carlos Moreno.
On the jockey front, Damario Bynoe and Prayven Badrie got off to hot starts with three wins each, Sven Balroop, Ronald Ali and Tim Tarasenco won two races apiece and singles went to Stanley Chadee, Jr., and new apprentice Rachaad Knights.
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Stylish Gent (#5) holds on to win a close photo in the third race on Tuesday for trainer Devon Gittens and ownership partner Ron Wiley. Damario Bynoe up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Fans wagered an incredible $1.36 million on Monday’s six races, marking a remarkable 24% increase over last year's opening day handle, which featured seven races. This resulted in a 44% increase in average wagering per race compared to 2023. Monday evening was capped off by a spectacular payout in the Jackpot Pick 5, when one lucky bettor won $13,400 on a mere $0.20 wager. It was more of the same on Tuesday when fans wagered another $1,181,690 on ASD.
Players wagered over $100,000 in the Pick-4 pool on both Monday and Tuesday. The Pick 4 Guaranteed Pool will now double to $50,000 starting with the next racing program on Monday, May 27.
See you here!
| Doug Mustard Honoured with Manitoba HBPA Award of Distinction | |
The annual HBPA/CTHS Awards celebration was held last Saturday and there were some popular winners among the horses and the people, but none more than 80-year-old trainer Doug Mustard, who was honoured with the Manitoba HBPA Award of Distinction.
Mustard was overcome with emotion when he spoke about his many years at Assiniboia Downs (he’s been here since the track opened in 1958!), his favourite horses, and the people who have befriended himself and his wife Judy, who still have the best cookie and coffee stash in the backstretch. And to top it off, Mustard won his first race in two years in dramatic fashion on Tuesday when his Miss Z snatched victory from defeat in the final stride to win the fifth race. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mustard!
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HBPA/CTHS 2023 Award Winners
Melisandre, Magic Tiger take Horse of the Year honours
| HBPA Horse of the Year Magic Tiger wins the 2023 Gold Cup for trainer Wendy Anderson and owners Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle. Damario Bynoe up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Magic Tiger was named HBPA 2023 Horse of the Year and Melisandre took the same award on the CTHS side. The HBPA awards are presented to the owners of the winning horse. The CTHS awards are presented to the breeders of the winning horse.
Claimed for $6,250 at Golden Gate in April 2023, Magic Tiger was shipped to trainer Wendy Anderson at the Downs and improved dramatically for his new trainer, winning three of seven starts including the R. J. Speers Memorial Stakes, the Bocage Stakes, and the Gold Cup for Anderson’s Wind Dancer Stable and partner Bill Meikle. Great job Wendy!
| Trainer Wendy Anderson (second from left) and daughter Jaydean Lamoth accept the 2023 HBPA Horse of the Year Award for Magic Tiger from HBPA President Blaine McLaren. Agent Robert Smith Jr. on the right. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Melisandre ran some of the best races of her career in 2023 for trainer Lise Pruitt, owners True North Thoroughbreds and Aranason Farms, and breeders Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard, and Barry Arnason.
The 5-year-old daughter of Going Commando-High Pioneer by Pioneering -- who didn’t win in 2022 after starting her career with eight straight wins -- made an excellent comeback in 2023, winning two of six starts including the Cool Excellence Overnight Stakes and the Distaff Stakes, while also finishing second in the La Verendrye Stakes. Well done, Lise!
Trainer Jerry Gourneau was presented with the leading trainer award for his record-setting fourth straight title. Gourneau was the leading trainer by number of wins, with 41, and also by purses earned with $456,270, most of which went to his leading owner for the fifth straight year at the Downs, Henry S. Witt Jr., Antonio Whitehall won the 2023 leading rider award for his third riding title at the Downs, with a record of 56-43-54 from 284 starts and purse earnings of $687,757.
|  | Henry S. Witt, Jr., was the leading owner at Assiniboia Downs in 2023 for the fifth straight year and teamed up with leading trainer Jerry Gourneau to win the Manitoba Derby with Mano Dura. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia photo) | |
Gary Danelson was the leading percentage trainer of 2023 at the Downs with a record of 9-7-1 from 35 starts, good for a 35%-win clip. Incredibly, the all-time leading trainer at the Downs is also the oldest trainer on the grounds at 86! Experience counts in the horse business, especially if you learn along the way, and Danelson has been among the best on the grounds since first coming to the Downs in 1958.
Breeders, trainers, and owners have all stepped up their game over the past decade, and that has been especially evident over the past few years in the backstretch. Not only do you need a good horse to win, but you also need a good trainer. And ours are getting better every year.
Congratulations to all the deserving winners!
| Owner/Breeder Barry Arnason and trainer Lise Pruitt (right) accept the trophy for CTHS Manitoba-bred Horse of the Year Melisandre from CTHS President Pat Wallace. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
HBPA Award Winners
HBPA Award of Distinction: Doug Mustard
Leading Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
Leading Money Earning Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
Leading Percentage Trainer: Gary Danelson
Leading Rider: Antonio Whitehall
2-Year-Old Filly: Commandoslastdance
Owners - A2 Thoroughbreds & True North Thoroughbreds
Trainer - Michael Nault
2-Year-Old Colt/ Gelding: Canyouhearmerunnin
Owners - Pink Cloud Racing & Ron Wiley
Trainer - Devon Gittens
3-Year-Old Filly: Spitten Kitten
Owners: Marvin & Debbie Buffalo and Arnold Souster
Trainer: Marvin Buffalo
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Mano Dura
Owner: Henry S. Witt, Jr.
Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
Older Mare: Burrow Down
Owner: Gerald Babchishin
Trainer: Murray Duncan
Older Horse: Magic Tiger
Owners - Wind Dancer Stable & Bill Meikle
Trainer - Wendy Anderson
Sprinter: Chicago’s Gray
Owners: Roll the Dice Stable, Royce Finley & Arnason Farms
Trainer: Murray Duncan
Most Astute Claim: Delvecchio
Owner: A2 Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Michael Nault
Claiming Horse of the Year: Drop a Caribou
Owner - All For One Stables
Trainer - Shelley Brown
HBPA Horse of the Year: Magic Tiger
Owners - Wind Dancer Stable & Bill Meikle
Trainer - Wendy Anderson
|  | Leading trainer Jerry Gourneau walks to the winner's circle after winning the 2023 Manitoba Derby with Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Mano Dura for owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. Antonio Whitehall in the saddle. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
CTHS Award Winners
CTHS 25-Year-Member: Pat Wallace
Manitoba-Bred 2nd Career Award: Play the Ace (True Sense)
Breeders - Bred by Keaton & Aiden Ziprick
Owner - Abigail Halloran
2-Year-Old Filly: Commandos Last Dance (Going Commando)
Breeders - Keaton & Aiden Ziprick
2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Justlemmeatem (Vengeful Wildcat)
Breeder - Dr. Betty Hughes
3-Year-Old Filly: Russian Pearl (Nonios)
Breeder - Larry Falloon & Denis Huberdeau
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Private Frank (Going Commando)
Breeder - Jerry Lambert & Lynn Mathews
Older Mare Stakes Winner: Melisandre (Going Commando)
Breeders - Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard & Barry Arnason
Older Horse Stakes Winner: Delvecchio (Where’s the Ring)
Breeder: Don Bjarnarson
Broodmare Award: Inspeightofsuccess (Speightstown)
Owner/Breeder: Jerry Lambert & Lynn Mathews
Stallion of the Year: Going Commando
Owner/Breeder Cam Ziprick
Breeder of the Year (Tie): Dr. Betty Hughes, Larry Falloon
Manitoba-Bred Horse of the Year: Melisandre
Breeders: Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard & Barry Arnason
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Have You Ever Wanted to Own a Racehorse? | |
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The HBPA will be hosting a free seminar on owning a racehorse on Saturday, June 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the Terrace Dining Room. Enjoy breakfast, watch the horses workout on the racetrack and find out what is involved in owning a racehorse.
To register for the free seminar email the HBPA at hbpamanitoba@mymts.net. Please include the full name(s) of the attendees in the email.
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Looking for a Special Photo of Your Big Horse or...?
Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for
| My Noah returns after winning the eighth race on Tuesday evening for trainer Mike Taphorn and owners My Three Niece's Stable and Kyle Hiebert. Prayven Badrie up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | Looking for that extra-special photo of your big horse, one you might not find in your win pictures? Track photographer Jason Halstead takes numerous photos during the races, and not all of them can make it into the win photos. If you’re looking for something frameable from your big race, or of your special horse, email Jason at jjhphoto@gmail.com. Prices are excellent! Almost as good as his photos 😊 | Watch and wager on world class racing from the comfort of your private carrel in our race book located on the 2nd level of the grandstand. The race book is open daily at 10 a.m. Can't make it to the track? Visit one of our partner locations listed below or wager at HPIbet.com. Click here for a list of tracks to wager on during the month of May. |
- Pimlico (Friday, May 24) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $315,625
- Pimlico (Friday, May 24) - Jackpot Super High 5 carryover $258,786
- Gulfstream (Friday, May 24) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $160,232
See all carryovers here.
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Can't make it to the track to wager?
Watch and wager at one of our off-track betting locations:
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Indigenous dancers at the Treaty One Flag raising ceremony on Monday at ASD. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
Join the "I Won Bigg" wagering group on the Clubhouse plaza this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The wagering group is open to everyone. The group will play Woodbine and Santa Anita this week. $20 per share. If you would like more information please email Larry. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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On May 4, 1979 Grosswin won the feature race on the opening day card. The Stan Moore bay gelding won "ridden out” and had Kenny Hendricks in the saddle, who opened the 1979 meet with four victories on the card – 45 years ago! This "candid-looking" photo came from an old box of negatives that retired track photographer Gerry Hart gifted your history guy. Thanks Gerry! (Gerry Hart Photo) | |
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Microshare partnership posts second classic win with Seize the Grey in Preakness
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Seize the Grey in the winner's circle after his victory in the Preakness Stakes. (Skip Dickstein) | |
Keeping five or six different people in the same ownership group happy can be a difficult task. Pleasing 2,570 owners is, well, a reason why there are medications for headaches. But for Michael Behrens, founder and CEO of MyRacehorse, there was a sure-fire way to produce a multitude of smiling, overjoyed owners. All he needed was the 2 1/4-length victory by MyRacehorse's Seize the Grey in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1). More from the BloodHorse here. | |
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Belmont Stakes still an option for Kentucky Derby winner with Manitoba-bred blood
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Mystik Dan, the Kentucky Derby winner with Manitoba-bred blood coursing through him, finished a good second in the Preakness Stakes. (Nellie Carlson / Paulick Report) | |
Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan arrived at Saratoga Race Course Monday evening and ventured out onto the Oklahoma training track early Wednesday for his first bit of light exercise since finishing second in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes. “He’s doing good,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “He just jogged a mile this morning, nothing complicated.” The horse with Manitoba-bed blood could still run in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8. More from the Paulick Report here. | |
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Hall of Fame scribe Steve Haskin highlights history and pedigree
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Seize the Grey surges away from Mystik Dan late to win the 149th Preakness Stakes. | |
"The 149th Preakness Stakes went far beyond the race itself, which was pretty much the opposite of what we witnessed in the historic Kentucky Derby with its thrilling three-horse photo. The Preakness was won by a horse left alone on the lead every step of the way, but it was really about two men who brought history to rain-soaked Pimlico." ~ Steve Haskin writing for Secretariat.com. Read more here. | |
Preakness Stakes Replay (Full Race) | NBC Sports | |
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
This week’s history blog includes a potpourri of memories that came to our history guy as a result of a special inspiration. Who knew that an everyday activity would kick start a story from our racing’s past. Well, it certainly did for Bob, and he shares with us an idea to help preserve the past. Click here to learn more about Bob’s basis for this week’s story.
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Lucky Stars - Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. - more info
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Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
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MB Food Truck Battles - Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26 - more info
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Live Racing - Monday, May 27 & Tuesday, May 28 - more info
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Western Canada Rib Fest - Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2 - more info
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Live Racing - Monday, June 3, Tuesday, June 4 & Wednesday, June 5 - more info
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Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, June 9 - more info
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The Inside Track Archives | Did you know that past issues of The Inside Track are available on our website? Click here to read them now. | |
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