by Bob Gates November 11, 2018 marks the centenary of "The Great War." Whether you know it as Armistice Day, Veterans Day, Remembrance Day or by its informal name, "Poppy Day," it is one of the most revered days on the calendar. The first of the world wars only came to be known as World…
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2018 Live Racing Season sails into the sunset, but lots going on in off-season at Downs
[caption id="attachment_9277" align="alignright" width="1024"] Ray Stewart, family and friends in the winner's circle at the Downs. September 6, 2015.[/caption] by Bob Gates The end is near! Okay, perhaps that's a little too melodramatic, but this is my final blog story as the season draws to a close on Sunday, September 9. Wow, it seems like…
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They knew how to win
[caption id="attachment_9223" align="alignright" width="1024"] Navy Days and Major Action hold the record for most wins in a live Assiniboia Downs racing season with 11, but Navy Days accomplished the feat at a shorter meet.[/caption] by Bob Gates Horses that know how to win are the most revered in the sport of horse racing. Every owner,…
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Mays Relic: Classy chestnut. Forever savoured.
by Bob Gates Mays Relic came to Jack and Yvette Hardy's J. Y. Stable as a 5-year-old gelding by Bandit out of Georgia May, by War Relic. By the way, War Relic just happened to be the son of Man O' War. Their trainer, George Howell claimed the chestnut in January 1966 at Florida Downs…
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Windsor Moon: Teachers’ Pet and 1971 Gold Cup Winner
by Bob Gates What do you get when you combine seven St. Boniface school teachers, $1,500 and a desire for fun and adventure? Back in May 1970 you'd get Hoarse Stable and a four-year-old thoroughbred called Windsor Moon. Who remembers him? This dark bay gelding was the shiny apple these teachers always wanted. Not sitting…
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Audrey’s Cowboy was Track “Super” for Two Decades
[caption id="attachment_9086" align="alignright" width="1024"] Keith Trenholm holding Benny Geary in the ASD winner's circle. July 19, 1971.[/caption] by Bob Gates This week's title may be a little cryptic, but there are many of you who will know that our flashback in time is about the man who was Assiniboia Downs track superintendant from 1978 to…
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The Day Two Ladies Reigned Supreme at ASD. July 15, 1970 .
[caption id="attachment_9019" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Royals arrive at Assiniboia Downs for the Manitoba Derby. July 15, 1970.[/caption] by Bob Gates Manitoba was celebrating its centenary in 1970 and the owner of Assiniboia Downs, Jack Hardy, wasn't about to let the occasion pass without taking full advantage. The 22nd running of the Manitoba Derby was the marquee…
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Plentiful’s 2017 Manitoba Derby triumph provides storybook ending
[caption id="attachment_8976" align="alignright" width="400"] 2017 Manitoba Derby winner Plentiful[/caption] by Bob Gates Imagine, a blog dedicated to all things historical, and this week we travel all the way back in time to last year's Derby. Murray Duncan and the Estate of Garylle Bruce Stewart's Plentiful won the 69th running of the Manitoba Derby in 2017,…
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Overskate and Connections Dominate in 1978 Manitoba Derby
[caption id="attachment_8908" align="alignright" width="1024"] Overskate in the winner's circle after his victory in the Manitoba Derby on September 9, 1978.[/caption] by Bob Gates It’s been 40 years since Overskate and Robin Platts spanked five innocent foes in 30th running of the Manitoba Derby on September 9, 1978. Going into the Derby, Overskate was considered the…
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Manitoba Derby: Runs to Remember
[caption id="attachment_8859" align="alignright" width="1024"] Rough Catch wins 1989 Manitoba Derby! A winner's circle to remember for sure![/caption] by Bob Gates Welcome to the second in our five-part series devoted to the 70th Running of the Manitoba Derby. Today we look at more than 40 years of Derby memories, starting with the most recent and…
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