The Inside Track | Issue #134 | May 31, 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!
- Father's Day Brunch
- ASD 50/50 Every Live Race Night
- Badrie Surges to Lead, Gourneau on Top Again
- Have You Ever Wanted to Own a Racehorse?
- Western Canada RibFest
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Windsockie
- Belmont Stakes: Changes for Sierra Leone
- Kentucky Derby Dream Alive and Well
- Video: Mystik Dan's Co-owner/Breeder
- Fort Erie Kicks Off 2024 Meeting
- 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 at 11:30 p.m. during 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. 50/50 tickets for Monday, June 3 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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Owner/Trainer/Breeder Appreciation Dinner
- Thursday, June 6, 2024 in the Terrace Dining Room.
- Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet will be served.
- $20 donation per person. All donations will go to Final Furlong and the Winners Foundation.
- All attendees must have a ticket in advance of the event.
- Tickets are available from Samantha in the General Office. Call 204-885-3330 or email reception@ASDowns.com. Limited tickets are available so purchase your tickets now. The deadline to buy tickets is Monday, June 3.
- LGCA license number will be required.
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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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$10 Off Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet on Monday, June 3 | |
Due to the overwhelming response to our $10 Off Certified Angus Prime Rib promotion during the month of May, we are extending the offer for one more day - Monday, June 3!
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
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$10 Off
ASD Live Prime Rib Buffet
Offer is valid on
Monday, June 3, 2024 only.
Cannot be combined with any other offer.
USE PROMO CODE EXTENDED-LIVE10
Call 204-885-3330 ext. 0 to reserve
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Father's Day Brunch - Sunday, June 16
Treat Dad to an unforgettable brunch on Sunday, June 16th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., as we celebrate the hero of the family – YOUR DAD! Indulge in all your brunch favourites!
- Sliced Certified Angus Prime Rib in Mushroom Sauce
- Smoked Ham with Dijon Cream Sauce
- Eggs Benedict
- Omelette Station
- Scrambled Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Hashbrowns
- Sourdough French Toast & Syrup
- Jumbo Shrimp & Cocktail Sauce
- Smoked Sockeye Salmon Pizza
- Grilled Pinepple
- Wild Rice Salad
- Golden Beet Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Local Cheese, Kolbassa & Pickles
- Croissant, Rolls, Flatbreads and Butter
- Sliced Fruit & Berries
- Cakes & Pastries
Tickets: Adults $49.95, 12 & under $22.95, 5 & under $9.95. Order your tickets by calling 204-885-3330.
Please note that there is no live racing on Father's Day.
Father’s Day brunch will sell out quickly so order your tickets today!
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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Badrie Surges to Lead, Gourneau on Top Again
Former leading ASD rider scores natural hat trick, Gourneau wins four
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Leading rider Prayven Badrie (center) breaks from the gate for leading trainer Jerry Gourneau aboard Henry S. Witt, Jr.'s Jj's American Diva in Race 4 on Tuesday, on his way to scoring a natural hat trick. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Prayven Badrie scored a natural hat trick on Tuesday evening to surge to the lead in the jockey standings this week and Ronald Ali won three races to move into second place, while five-time leading trainer Jerry Gourneau continued to do what he does best, winning four more races to maintain his lead in the trainer standings.
Badrie, who tied for leading rider here in 2018 with Antonio Whitehall, won the second race on Tuesday with Diane's Wish ($7.70) for trainer Mike Nault, the third with Exacting ($2.50) for Steve Keplin, Jr. and the fourth race with Jj's American Dream ($12.80) for trainer Jerry Gourneau, putting him on top of a solid ASD jockey colony.
Fellow Trinidadian rider Ronald Ali won the second race on Monday with Side Street Dave ($9.20) for trainer Bruce Sanderson, the fifth race on Monday with Run for Joy ($13.40) for trainer Jerry Gourneau, and added another win in the final race on Tuesday with No Show No Call for trainer Mike Taphorn, to move into second place in the standings.
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L to R: Jockey Prayven Badrie, groom Sam Peattie, Diane's Wish, trainer Mike Nault, and jockey Ronald Ali. Badrie won the second race on Tuesday aboard Diane's Wish for Nault and ownership partners A2 Thoroughbreds and True North Thoroughbreds. (George Williams) | |
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Badrie has been in great form this year, but it has taken a few years. The 33-year-old from Seven Furlong in Trinidad had to come back from a potential career-ending injury in 2019 when he broke his pelvis at Century Mile. Last year he finished fifth in the standings here with 28 wins. In 2022 he also finished fifth with 26 wins. Could this be his year?
Ali first arrived at ASD in 2022 and finished 12th in the standings with 12 wins. Last year he improved dramatically to finish sixth in the standings, right behind Badrie, with 27 wins, and the 32-year-old rider now looks more confident and comfortable than ever in the saddle.
Badrie and Ali worked for their quick starts, they’ve been here all spring, but both said they were thankful to the trainers who gave them live amounts, and their families back home, who cheer for them every night.
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Jockey Dane Dawkins returns aboard Offley Special after winning Race 4 on Monday, the Jim Heighton Memorial, for trainer Steven Gaskin and ownership partners WRA Ventures, Hillside Farms Ltd., and Right Attitude. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Trainer Jerry Gourneau didn't have to improve to make the lead, he did that decades ago. The 62-year-old conditioner from Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation in North Dakota is shooting for his record fifth straight training title and sixth overall, and he looks unbeatable so far with six wins, two more than Devon Gittens, and four more than Steve Keplin, Jr, Mike Nault, and Mike Taphorn.
We have more talented trainers than ever before at ASD, but Gourneau has the horsepower to win it all again with leading owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. as his major client.
"I have the best owner in the world," said Gourneau.
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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
| Super focused. Jockeys Antonio Whitehall (inside aboard #5 East Rand)) and Sven Balroop (outside aboard #6 Deanos Cape) battle for the early lead in the second race on Monday. (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 June. |
- Gulfstream Park (May 31) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $254,188
- Woodbine (May 31) - Super High Five Jackpot carryover $116,140
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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"I Won Bigg" Wagering Group | |
The "I Won Bigg" wagering group is meeting this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. The group will play Woodbine and Santa Anita. They will also be meeting on Wednesday evenings at the north end of the Clubhouse to play Assiniboia Downs. Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry. | |
A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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35 years ago, Gary Danelson’s Windsockie was an opening day winner in 1989. If you look carefully, you’ll notice jockey Todd Kabel has a passenger with him – that’s his 2-year-old daughter Ashley Jean Kabel mugging for the camera. The win was Todd’s third of the day as he began his 1989 quest for a third Downs leading rider title. (Gerry Hart Photo) | |
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Sierra Leone breezes 'super' and gets rider switch for Belmont
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Sierra Leone, right, with exercise rider Kriss Bon, breezes in company with Domestic Product on the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, May 25, 2024. (Erika Miller) | |
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Everything was status quo with Sierra Leone last Saturday morning. Well, not everything.
The Kentucky Derby runner-up once again had his regular exercise rider, Kriss Bon, but trainer Chad Brown is experimenting with a different type of bit, and Sierra Leone will also have a new jockey for the 156th Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 8. More from The Daily Gazette here.
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Kentucky Derby notes include drama on the track and failure in the Stewards stand
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Mystik Dan (inside) wins the Kentucky Derby with Manitoba-bred blood coursing through him, while Sierra Leone (outside) and Forever Young bump each other repeatedly down the stretch en route to finishing second and third respectively beaten a nose and a nose. Note the extended arm on jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard Sierra Leone. There was no Stewards inquiry. (Lauren Givhan/Coady Media) | |
You can’t buy the Kentucky Derby. As racing becomes more corporate, with teams of wealthy owners plucking the most desirable prospects from the auction ring and handing them over to one of several successful trainers with massive operations, we needed something like this. We needed Mystik Dan, a horse (with Manitoba-breds in his pedigree) bred and owned by a small group of Arkansas owners who got in the game just over a decade ago and went from fans in the grandstand at Oaklawn Park to the most cherished winner’s circle in the sport at Churchill Downs. More from the Paulick Report here. | |
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Fulfillment of a Dream for Mystik Dan's co-owner
The gravity of winning the Kentucky Derby with homebred Mystik Dan is not lost on the partners who bred and race the 3-year-old colt
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Trainers are excited to be back on the track, a family reunion for many
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Kevin and Sarah Buttigieg welcome the opening of the season at Fort Erie. | |
Horse racing returned to Fort Erie on May 28, and for some, it was as much a family reunion as it was the season opener for the historic border oval. Just ask horse trainer, Kevin Buttigieg, who couldn't think of a better place to call home. "This kind of lifestyle is what I like to live,” said Buttigieg. More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
Our history guy has something a little different for us this week, using old programs as a portal to the past to take us to racing haunts that include River Park, Whittier Park, and Polo Park. He then wraps up his time tunnel tour at Assiniboia Downs, Churchill Downs, and Woodbine! Get your tickets ready, and click here to climb aboard.
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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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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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Live Racing - Monday, June 10, Tuesday, June 11 & Wednesday, June 12. Featuring ASD's Birthday on Monday, June 10 - 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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