The Inside Track | Issue #144 | August 9, 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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Revised 2024 Live Race Dates
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Monday, May 20 to Tuesday, September 24 - click here for schedule
- Wednesday live racing resumes this Wednesday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m.
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In this edition . . .
- What's happening at the Downs?
- Las Vegas Challenge Handicapping Tournament
- Free ASD Programs and more
- Free Family Fun Activities every Monday
- Win $500 Cash After Each Live Race Night
- There's always a Deal at ASD!
- Bricklayer wins 76th Manitoba Derby
- Manitoba Derby Contest Winners
- Harvey Warner Memorial Park Dedication
- Looking For a Special Photo?
- Carryover Watch
- Off-Track Betting Locations
- "I Won Bigg" Wagering Group
- A Snapshot In Time: Langcrest
- Final Works For King's Plate
- Arlington Million Preview
- Bob's Blog: Victory Gift
- Upcoming Events
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Upcoming Handicapping Tournaments
Las Vegas Challenge Tournaments:
- Las Vegas Challenge - This Monday, August 12
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, Sept. 2
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, Sept. 23
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
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, June 17 - Winner: Darcy Penner
- Las Vegas Challenge - Monday, July 8 - Winner: Brittany Jonatanson
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Assiniboia Downs Player Portal
Assiniboia Downs racing information in one convenient place!
Check out our Player Portal here
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Free Family Fun Every Monday
Join us for free family fun activities every Monday through to Monday, September 2.
- Bouncy castles
- Face painting
- Live entertainment
- The fun starts at 6:30 p.m.
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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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Draws for $500 in the VLT Lounge every Race Night!
Every race night 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: Enter for a chance to pick a Lucky Star for up to $100 cash. Lucky Stars will be played at various times throughout the day/night.
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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, August 12 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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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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Live Racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet | |
Enjoy our fabulous Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet from the best view in the house!
Our Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet is available every race night. The table is yours for the entire evening and includes complimentary racing programs and tip sheets.
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.
Reservations are filling up fast for the remainder of the race season so call
204-885-3330 to reserve your table today!
Adults - $54.95, Seniors (65+) - $49.95, Children 6 to 12 - $32.95, Children 5 & under - $19.95
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At The Post with G.S. Thompson | |
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Bricklayer wins 76th Manitoba Derby
Owner/Trainer Larry Gourneau, Jr. dedicates big win to Mom and Dad
| Bricklayer wins the 76th running of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby on Monday at Assiniboia Downs for owner/trainer Larry Gourneau, Jr. Luis Fuentes up. (George Williams) | |
On a thrilling Monday night at the Downs, owner/trainer Larry Gourneau, Jr. secured his place in history by winning the 76th running of the $125,000 Manitoba Derby with Bricklayer. The victory came in front of an exuberant crowd whose excitement translated into a record-breaking $3,743,784 in wagers, the highest Derby night handle ever recorded at Assiniboia Downs.
For Gourneau, 65, the win was deeply personal. His father, Larry Gourneau, Sr., had trained horses at Assiniboia Downs four decades ago, making this triumph feel like a homecoming of sorts.
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Manny Medeiros poses Larry Gourneau, Jr.'s Bricklayer for his winning Manitoba Derby photo. Luis Fuentes up. (George Williams) | |
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Bricklayer, under the guidance of leading Canterbury Park jockey Luis Fuentes, was the co-third choice at 6-1 odds. He dropped well back off the pace early, but it was all part of a calculated strategy. Fuentes observed the fierce pace battle unfolding at the front and opted to hold back, waiting for the perfect moment.
As the final turn approached, Fuentes skillfully maneuvered Bricklayer through the pack, swung wide, and unleashed a powerful surge. By the time they hit the sixteenth pole, Bricklayer had taken control, ultimately winning by 3 ½-lengths. The final time for the 1 1/8-miles was 1:56.55.
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Bricklayer and Luis Fuentes rally on the outside to win 76th Manitoba Derby. McEwen (blue blinkers) surges late between horses under Renaldo Cumberbatch to take second place. (George Williams) | |
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McEwen, trained by Shelley Brown for All For One Stables, Bette Holtman, Oslen Belle, and Tom Payne broke slowly, but was maneuvered into a great spot on the rail just off the pace by jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch, and surged between horses late to grab second place, finishing just a head in front of fellow local contender Lt. Norm. Alberta’s Itsallgoodman finished fourth, while the race favourite, Awesome Road, pressed the pace wide between horses and faded in late turn.
Bricklayer’s victory rewarded his backers with a payout of $14.90, $6.50, and $5.00 across the board. His win also contributed to a lucrative 20-cent Jackpot Pick 5, which had swelled to over $2.4 million by the fourth race’s post time, thanks to a substantial carryover of $444,576.
A winning 20-cent Pick 5 ticket paid $974.90, with the sequence of winners including Poderoso Equs ($21.50), Spitten Kitten ($3.80), Blazing Bo ($9.70), Bricklayer ($14.90), and Slew’s Bak ($9.00). Fans also pumped a whopping $189,155 into the Pick 4 pool, further cementing Assiniboia Downs as one of the premier Pick 4 wagering venues in North America.
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Spitten Kitten (#4) and jockey Renaldo Cumberbatch hold off Jj's American Diva by mere inches to win the $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes on Monday for trainer Marvin Buffalo and his ownership partners, wife Deb and Arnold Souster. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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The night could have seen even larger payouts if not for Spitten Kitten’s narrow victory in the fifth race, the $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes. Trained by Marvin Buffalo for himself, his wife Deb, and partner Arnold Souster, Spitten Kitten held off 61-1 longshot Jj’s American Diva by mere inches, keeping bettors on edge.
The excitement continued to build in the next race, the $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile, where Blazing Bo, ridden by leading jockey Prayven Badrie and trained by Mike Nault for A2 Thoroughbreds, thrilled the crowd with an impressive rally to win over last year’s victor, Big Nick, priming the crowd for the Manitoba Derby.
"What a fantastic night!” exclaimed ASD CEO Darren Dunn. “The ambiance of the huge crowd creates such an energy in the grandstand. It is wonderful to the see the crowd so engaged and the monster wagering pools for the event. We are so thankful for all of the support from fans, horsepeople and the ASD team.”
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Trainer Mike Nault (left) and A2 Thoroughbreds partner Nolan Allard celebrate after winning the $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile on Monday with Blazing Bo. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Gourneau, who hails from the Turtle Mountain Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, had personally transported Bricklayer from Minnesota to Manitoba just two days before the Derby. He expressed deep gratitude to trainer Matt Williams, who prepared the horse at Canterbury, and to Manny Medeiros and Glen Miller for their assistance upon arriving at Assiniboia Downs. While Gourneau had no immediate plans for Bricklayer’s next race, he was eager to return to the barn to spend time with his horse and reflect on the victory. | |
Derby Belle Francine Fournier talks to some excited new horse racing fans on Monday before the Manitoba Derby. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Emotional after the race, Gourneau shared how his family played a crucial role in his triumph. “My grandson Julian called me and said, ‘We’re watching your race, Grandpa,’ and wished me good luck,” Gourneau said. “He means so much to me. The kids mean so much to me.”
At the post-Derby celebration, Gourneau dedicated the win to his late parents, Larry Gourneau, Sr., and Jeanette Gourneau. “I wish my Mom and Dad were here,” said Gourneau. “They loved this place. They didn't have the horses and they didn't have the money to buy the horses. So for me to come back here and win this race, it is all dedicated to them.”
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Owner/trainer Larry Gourneau, Jr. dedicated his Manitoba Derby win with Bricklayer to his parents Larry Gourneau, Sr. and Jeanette. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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There was more stakes action on Tuesday night in the $50,000 Graduation Stakes and the $50,000 Manitoba Oaks.
Gee I’m Foxy made it two stakes wins in a row with another wire-to-wire show in the Graduation Stakes under jockey Ronald Ali for trainer Jared Brown and Railside Stable, turning back her stablemate Welcometohollywood on the turn, opening up into the stretch and coasting home to win by 2 ¾-lengths. The 2-year-old Kentucky-bred filly by Klimt-Foxy Sara by Even the Score had won the Debutante Stakes in her previous start and appears to have a bright future ahead of her.
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Gee I'm Foxy wins the $50,000 Graduation Stakes on Tuesday for trainer Jared Brown and owner Railside Stable. Ronald Ali up. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
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Midnight Lady also won her second consecutive stakes race in the Manitoba Oaks for the leading owner/trainer team of Henry S. Witt, Jr. and Lee Delaronde. Sent off at 3-1, despite the fact she had beaten the same rivals in the Jack Hardy Stakes the start before, Midnight Lady was wide throughout, but came with strong late rally under leading rider Prayven Badrie to take over late, drawing out to win by 1 ½-lengths over Dynamic Strike.
And we’re back to the Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday race schedule next week!
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Assiniboia Downs leading owner Henry S. Witt, Jr. (left) and Downs CEO Darren Dunn in the winner's circle after Witt's Midnight Lady won the $50,000 Manitoba Oaks on Tuesday. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo) | |
Manitoba Derby Contest Winners | |
Congratulations to Kimberley Fox and her husband Luis Borges who won the Instagram contest for dressing in their Derby finest! They have each won a $100 ASD Gift Certificate. Thank you to everyone who took photos in front of our Manitoba Derby display and tagged us on Instagram! | |
Congratulations to Reghan Kirk who selected Bricklayer by random draw in the Derby Sweepstakes. She won a $100 win wager on Bricklayer that netted her whopping $745. She also won a $50 ASD Gift Certificate. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Derby Sweepstakes! | |
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Honouring a Legacy
The Opening of the Harvey Warner Memorial Park
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Last Sunday, the Assiniboia Downs community came together to celebrate the life and legacy of Harvey Warner, the late Chair of the Manitoba Jockey Club, with the official opening of the Harvey Warner Memorial Park in the backstretch. The event marked a heartfelt tribute to a man whose influence on horse racing in Manitoba and beyond will be remembered for generations.
The ceremony was attended by Harvey’s family, extended family, and many members of the Manitoba Jockey Club (MJC), the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), the Winners Foundation and the backstretch community. The park, beautifully landscaped with flowers, trees, and inviting seating areas, immediately struck a chord with attendees. Its centerpiece, the "Connie Clauson" tree, stands as a living symbol of the life Harvey cherished.
HBPA Office Manager Shannon Dawley expressed gratitude to those who dedicated countless hours to bringing the park to life, highlighting the efforts of Blaine McLaren, Scott Anderson, Ron Zurba, Debbie Buffalo, Chad and Jade Marcyniuk, Linda Brotchie, Diane Duncan, Bonnie McCrory, Jerry Lambert, the Winners Foundation and other anonymous volunteers. Their collective work transformed a vision into a vibrant reality.
|  | Harvey Warner Memorial Park | |
ASD CEO Darren Dunn captured the sentiment of the day, stating, “This park is something to be very proud of, something unique among racetracks. When someone from out of town sees the sign bearing Harvey’s name, they’ll know they’re in a place where they can relax, breathe, and enjoy our beautiful Manitoba summers. It’s a fitting tribute to a man who was integral to this community.”
Manitoba Jockey Club Chair Dr. Norm Elder reflected on his long history with Harvey. “I would just like to say that I really appreciate the effort the members of the Winners Foundation and the HBPA put towards refurbishing and refreshing this park. It’s a very fitting tribute to memorialize our good friend Harvey Warner. He spent many hours on the backstretch of Assiniboia Downs in various capacities. My own time with Harvey goes back 30 years. I rode shotgun with Harvey and the Manitoba Jockey Club for those years, and at times we traversed very troubled waters.
“But with a steady hand from Harvey at the helm, excellent leadership of our management team led by Darren Dunn and Sharon Gulyas, we stayed afloat, and we got to this day. We still continue to confront headwinds at times, but I'm extremely confident that with the leadership that we have, we will rise up and meet these challenges, and that Assiniboia Downs will continue to be part of the cultural mosaic of Winnipeg and Manitoba for many years to come.
“On a very personal note, Harvey's legacy for me is one of a great family man. He loved and took care of his family, and they reciprocated. He had a passion for thoroughbred racing and Assiniboia Downs. He was a great listener and communicator. Even at times when some had a differing opinion, he was always respectful. He had empathy for his fellow man. I am very, very humbled and happy to say that Harvey Warner was my friend, and I miss him every day.”
Scott Anderson, Vice President of the HBPA, shared personal memories of Harvey. “My family has been very close friends with the Warner family for several years. Seeing so many people here today, including Harvey’s beloved family, is a testament to the profound impact he had on all of us. Harvey was not only a respected figure in horse racing but also a true gentleman who cared deeply for this community. This garden reflects the love and respect we all had for him.”
|  | Harvey Warner Memorial Park | |
The final speaker, Harvey’s daughter Michelle, offered a poignant reminder of the man they were all there to honour.
“It's hard to believe it's been over two years since Dad passed away," said Michelle. "Not a day goes by when we don’t think about him. Assiniboia Downs and all of the people here were such a special and important part of Dad's life. They brought him so much joy and fulfillment. We're all so grateful that you've chosen to honour our Dad's memory with this park.
“I believe that he's here with us in spirit, and continues to be found in places all over this racetrack. For us, this monument will serve as a reminder of our Dad, memories we hope to always have, and our love that remains alive. Thank you.”
| L to R: Harvey Warner's daughter Sheri, wife Edie and daughter Michelle. | As the ceremony concluded, the Harvey Warner Memorial Park stood as a testament to the man who had given so much to the sport and the community. It’s more than just a park; it’s a space for reflection, a place where Harvey’s spirit continues to be felt, and a reminder of the enduring impact one person can have on the lives of so many. | |
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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
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Happiness. Gee I'm Foxy leaving the winner's circle after winning the Graduation Stakes on Tuesday for trainer Jared Brown and Railside Stable. (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 August. |
- Gulfstream (August 9) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $94,025
- Fanduel (August 10) - Pick 7 carryover $47,990
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 | |
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The "I Won Bigg" wagering group will be meeting on the following weekly schedule:
- Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza. Woodbine and Del Mar will be the featured tracks this Saturday.
- Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the north end of the Clubhouse. Assiniboia Downs will be the featured track on Wednesdays.
Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information please email Larry.
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A Snapshot in Time
by Track Historian Bob Gates
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Well, another Manitoba Derby is in the history books. Over the next four weeks let’s look at a few Derby winners from the past. This week we pay tribute to Langcrest, who won the 16th Running of the Derby on August 8, 1964. In this case, there’s a real good story to go with this Derby.
Just recently there was a Celebration of Life for Gordon Bowcott at the Downs. Gord was a brother to Marg Crockett (wife of Bob) and back on Derby Day in 1964 Marg’s twin sister Betty was getting married on Derby Day. Marg and her brother Gord weren’t about to miss a Derby because of a wedding. Thing is, Gord was the Best Man and Marg was the Maid of Honour. So between the wedding ceremony and the reception, Gord and Marg bolted to Assiniboia Downs for the Derby in full wedding garb. Talk about loyal Derby fans. Word is that 60 years ago they fit right in with the ‘decked-out’ 1964 Derby Day crowd. (Assiniboia Downs Archives)
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Caitlinhergrtness will have to be supplemented to the Plate for $25,000 by US owners Siena Farm and WinStar Farm. (Michael Burns Photo) | The ‘big three’ for the 165th King’s Plate, champion My Boy Prince, Grade 3 winner Essex Serpent, and stakes winner Midnight Mascot have essentially done most of their preparation for the 1 1/4-mile Canadian classic on August 17. “Everyone is ready,” said trainer Mark Casse on Tuesday about the powerful set of Canadian-bred 3-year-olds. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here. | |
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Integration and Sugoi are other threats in short field of six this Sunday
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Nations Pride wins the 2023 Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine. (Michael Burns Photo) | |
The Arlington Million Stakes (G1T) will always be one of horse racing's historical markers, as the 1 1/4-mile turf race was the first to offer a million-dollar purse when its inaugural running was held in 1981 at Arlington Park in suburban Chicago. This Sunday's rendition of the Million has a small but powerful field. More from the BloodHorse here. | |
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Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates
In researching his most recent history tale, Bob says that he did some time travelling and visited Polo Park racetrack for the running of the 1948 Canadian Derby. The winner of the race was Scotty Kennedy’s (first GM of Assiniboia Downs) Victory Gift, who has a connection with the 37-cent horse and the first winner of the Manitoba Derby ever run at the Downs. Click here to learn more about the history guy’s time tunnel activities.
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Upcoming events at ASD
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Lucky Stars - Daily draws for cash at various times throughout the day - more info
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Lucky Spins - Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - more info
- Live Racing every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. - more info
- Draw for $500 Cash after each live race night in the VLT Lounge - more info
- Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, August 25 - 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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