Monthly Archives: June 2017

Milo, Munnie & Minne, the Out-of-Towners

by Bob Gates I've been writing this blog for going on six years and for the most part the stories have concentrated on local horsemen and their thoroughbreds. The Downs wouldn’t have survived all these years, however, if it were not for the "out-of-towners." For years horse people from other parts of Canada and south…
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The Rivalry. Northern Spike and Mr. Macho

[caption id="attachment_7208" align="alignnone" width="780"] Derby Trial stretch drive 1980. Northern Spike inside. Mr. Macho outside.[/caption] by Bob Gates Mr. Macho and Northern Spike's two-year rivalry at Assiniboia Downs was a classic. Why just 1979 and 80? Well, after 1980 "Spike" raced at the Downs until May 1984. "Macho" move to Woodbine and Fort Erie in…
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Harry “The Little Tiger” Jeffrey was the Heart and Soul of Assiniboia Downs

[caption id="attachment_7152" align="alignright" width="780"] Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey present R. J. Speers' trophy to Gary Danelson. Cosmic Tip. Speers Handicap 1966.[/caption]     by Bob Gates Winnipeg native, Harry Jeffrey was in a word "Special." He was fair, well-respected, and when called for, a no nonsense kind of guy. Jeffrey was also the first employee…
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Duke Campbell, one of the greatest horsemen to ever walk the prairies

[caption id="attachment_7095" align="alignnone" width="780"] The 37-cent horse, Omar's Gift at Polo Park. "Duke" Campbell on the far left.[/caption] by Bob Gates Donald H. "Duke" Campbell's bio on the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame website says that his chief claim to fame was that he discovered and developed Sandy Hawley into a world class jockey.…
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