[caption id="attachment_18366" align="alignright" width="1000"] Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 1970 Manitoba Centennial-Derby.[/caption] by Bob Gates Can you believe that come opening day, Monday May 22, 235 days will have passed since our four-legged athletes were called to the post here at the Downs last September 28. So, who’s ready for some live racing! If your…
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Carl Norman Anderson. Old School Professional Horseman.
[caption id="attachment_13802" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] One of Carl Anderson's four Gold Cup wins at ASD. Secret Cipher. August 28, 1983.[/caption] by Bob Gates Carl Anderson was only 13 years old when Assiniboia Downs opened in 1958, but it didn't take him long to find his way to the Portage Avenue track. Right from the "get-go" young…
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The Derby Trial Returns to Assiniboia Downs
[caption id="attachment_12105" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Fire N Desire wins the St. James-Assiniboia Handicap. July 11, 1969.[/caption] by Bob Gates Following an 11-year absence (2009 -2019) the Downs 2020 stakes race calendar features the return of the Derby Trial. Jack Hardy resurrected the Manitoba Derby in 1960 and since that time 60 Derbies have been run at…
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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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Everything you wanted to know about the Manitoba Derby, but were afraid to ask
[caption id="attachment_8820" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] The largest Manitoba Derby Crowd ever turned out to see Queen Elizabeth II on July 15, 1970.[/caption] by Bob Gates The Manitoba Derby is a month away and what better time to look back at the history of the premiere race of the season. The 2018 edition of the Derby is…
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Rob’s Wrap – ASD 2012 Live Racing Season
[caption id="attachment_1680" align="alignright" width="270" caption="2012 ASD Champions! Leading Rider Paul Nolan and Leading Trainer Shelley Brown (right) with ASD VP of Finance and Gaming Sharon Gulyas."][/caption] by Rob The 2012 racing season drew to a close, leaving memories and moments that were incredibly exciting. Balooga Bull dominated over all comers, Portales nailed Tigger Town at…
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Rob’s Picks, Opinions and more for the Final Weekend of 2012 Live Racing at ASD
[caption id="attachment_1666" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Jennifer Reid (71), Rohan Singh (70), Paul Nolan (71) ~ They don't look that old :)"][/caption] by Rob This last weekend closes the door on another live race meet at Assiniboia Downs. Just for something a little different, I’d like to give my opinion on a few things before I get…
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The Buffalo Stakes celebrates 50 years!
[caption id="attachment_1649" align="alignright" width="270" caption="2011 Buffalo Stakes winner Jon's Golden Run with trainer Emile Corbel, Rohan Singh up"][/caption] by Bob “The Buffalo” -- What a great name for a stakes race dedicated to Manitoba-breds! Is there a name that better represents our Province? This Sunday marks the 50th running of this prestigious race for the…
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Speed and class prevail in championship stakes at ASD
[caption id="attachment_1635" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Balooga Bull and groom Richard Spencer are all smiles after winning the 2012 Gold Cup at ASD."][/caption] by George There’s no question that the highlight of the past weekend at Assiniboia Downs was Balooga Bull demolishing his opposition in the 55th running of the $50,000 Gold Cup on Saturday night. The…
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Balooga Bull highlights Championship Weekend at ASD
[caption id="attachment_1623" align="alignright" width="270" caption=""You go this way an I'll go that way and I'll meet you at the finish." Crazy things can happen on Championship Weekend!"][/caption] by Rob The second last weekend of live racing will highlight four of the final five stakes races of the year. These four races will determine divisional honors…
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