Monthly Archives: July 2019

Manitoba Derby Trophy makes 50th Curtain Call

[caption id="attachment_10525" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The Queen's Cup.[/caption] by Bob Gates On Monday, August 5, 2019, the Queen's Cup trophy will make her way to the Assiniboia Downs winner's circle to be presented to the Derby champion.  Don’t worry she knows the way, it's a trip she's made many times, but this one's special. This is…
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Fire N Desire’s 1969 Derby “Orbit” Turns 50!

[caption id="attachment_10473" align="alignright" width="1000"] Fire N Desire. 1969 Manitoba Derby.[/caption] by Bob Gates It's been 50 years since Fire N Desire won the 21st running of the Manitoba Derby. The recent media flood of documentaries reminds us of another event that shares this anniversary. Fire N Desire's July 19, 1969 Derby romp took place on…
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Stars of the Western Canada Handicap

[caption id="attachment_10418" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Possibly the best of the best, Light Dust won the Western Canada Handicap in 1954 and 1956. Shown here setting a new track record on February 5, 1957 at Sunshine Park.[/caption] by Bob Gates Polo Park racetrack played host to some of the most historic races in Western Canada including the…
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Larry’s the name, hunting, fishing and riding are my games

[caption id="attachment_10367" align="alignright" width="1000"] June 28, 1992. Darrell Stephansson presents Larry Bird with plaque for his 1,000th winner at Assiniboia Downs.[/caption] by Bob Gates What's the wackiest injury that resulted in a jockey cancelling his mounts for the day? There aren't any records on the subject, but I think I've got a good one. On…
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The Speers. A Modern Day History. Assiniboia Downs Resurrects RJ’s Race.

[caption id="attachment_10332" align="aligncenter" width="2948"] Cosmic Tip. Speers Handicap 1966. Harry Jeffrey presenting to trainer Gary Danelson. Gary's father holding the horse. Roger Jensen in he saddle.[/caption] by Bob Gates When we left off last week's blog story, horse racing's future in Winnipeg looked bleak.  R. J. Speers had known for some time that the Polo…
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