[caption id="attachment_3772" align="alignright" width="270"] On Andy's Advice listening to trainer Wally Pugh.[/caption] by George On Andy's Advice is one of two horses in this year's Manitoba Derby conditioned by veteran horseman Wally T.M. Pugh. Like his stablemate Wilko Rum, On Andy's Advice is by 2004 Breeders' Cup Juvenile-G1 winner Wilko, and if you want a…
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Jet Again – 2014 Manitoba Derby Contenders
[caption id="attachment_3763" align="alignright" width="270"] Jet Again looking forward to his big race.[/caption] by George Jet Again will be the favourite among those with Manitoba connections in this year's Derby and for good reason. The homebred gelding by top local sire Going Commando moved up multiple class levels while also stretching out for the first time…
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Wilko Rum – 2014 Manitoba Derby Contenders
[caption id="attachment_3778" align="alignright" width="270"] Wilko Rum with trainer Wally Pugh.[/caption] by George Wilko Rum is the first horse ever to run in the Manitoba Derby after beginning his career in Puerto Rico. The chestnut colt made his first six lifetime starts at Hipodromo Camarero, formerly known as El Comandante Race Track, 20 minutes outside San…
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Manitoba Derby history
[caption id="attachment_3727" align="alignright" width="270"] Assembly Hall wins 2013 Manitoba Derby[/caption] by Bob The first “Derby” was run in 1930; although from 1930 to 1933 it was known as the Manitoba Stakes. In 1934 the name of the race was officially changed to the Manitoba Derby. It should come as no surprise to anyone that the…
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Harry Gumprich, Springfield cattle rancher, spent quarter century racing horses
by Bob [caption id="attachment_3700" align="alignright" width="270"] Harry and wife Gertrude pose with Derby Belle, 1976 Manitoba Derby. Icy Beau, entrant.[/caption] The Manitoba Derby is coming up Monday, August 4, so how about a trip down memory lane for our annual Derby tale. Local cattleman, Helmuth "Harry" Gumprich will never be famous for his efforts in…
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Saturday night Pick-4 pays $5,363.60 at ASD as favourites go missing
[caption id="attachment_116" align="alignright" width="175"] I predict... an upset![/caption] by George There was a lot of digging in and wearing down going on Saturday night at Assinboia Downs, and when it was all over more than one person walked away with a $2 Pick-4 that paid $5,363.60. Favourites were defeated in every leg. There was a…
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Longshots rule from 4th race on at ASD, create $6,149 Pick-4 carryover into Saturday
[caption id="attachment_3668" align="alignright" width="270"] Dr. Zing (5) zips home to win 7th at ASD on Friday night.[/caption] by George Friday night started slow at ASD, but it certainly picked up speed starting in the fourth race with a combination of longshots, huge Superfecta payoffs and a Pick-4 carryover of $6,149. As a result, the Pick-4…
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Ponies, politicians and a princess — the day the Downs went dark
[caption id="attachment_3658" align="alignright" width="270"] Michael Gobuty, Adrienne Gobuty and Hazel Wright[/caption] by Bob Talk of ponies and a princess evokes thoughts of a fairytale. Insert politicians and it becomes a nightmare. Thirty-two years have passed since one fateful day in July 1982, but it's a blemish on track history is difficult to forget. It was…
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Balooga Bull, Edison, pushed to defeat game rivals in Wheat City, Harry Jeffrey Stakes
[caption id="attachment_3634" align="alignright" width="270"] Balooga Bull gets a pat from jockey Paul Nolan.[/caption] by George Balooga Bull brought his "A" game for the Wheat City Stakes, Jet Again did the same in the Harry Jeffrey Stakes, and Paul Nolan won half of the eight races in front of a large appreciative crowd on Wednesday night…
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Larry Carter’s Elite Mercedes and Monsoon Rain were rare Downs’ Triple Crown winners
[caption id="attachment_3624" align="alignright" width="270"] Elite Mercedes wins Gold Cup. September 24, 2006.[/caption] by Bob The success that owner Larry Carter enjoyed with Elite Mercedes was unprecedented, but two short years later he further established himself as a dominant and influential force in the Downs' stakes schedule with Monsoon "The Machine" Rain. While the Downs has…
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