[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…
Read more
A Racetracker’s Night Before Christmas
[caption id="attachment_12813" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] "Twas the night before Christmas..."[/caption] by Bob Gates Once again, it's that time of year. Yuletide carols echo through the frosty air, while multi-coloured lights twinkle everywhere. Yes folks, its Christmas! For the past 10 years I have been honoured to act as your ambassador to racing's past. To show my…
Read more
Secretariat to race on Saturday — virtually speaking
Secretariat winning the 1973 Kentucky Derby. Photo courtesy of KentuckyDerby.com While most sports are quiet these days, there are major happenings in the horse racing world while it also observes coronavirus safety protocols. In what may be a first at any racetrack, Assiniboia Downs -- which is closed to the public-- is broadcasting morning workouts…
Read more
The Early History of the R. J. Speers Stakes. 1926-1956
[caption id="attachment_10277" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Fort Garry wins the 1948 R. J. Speers at Polo Park.[/caption] by Bob Gates On Saturday, June 29 "The Speers" celebrates its 60th running, but what most don’t realize is that there is more than 90 years of history behind the race that honours Robert James Speers, the "Father of Thoroughbred…
Read more
Opening day 2018 beckons at ASD. A little history!
by Bob Gates Everyone's talking about the Kentucky Derby and Mothers' Day is just around the corner. You know what that means! Live racing is set to return to Assiniboia Downs! After a seven-month hiatus the Downs launches its 2018 season of thoroughbred horse racing this Mothers' Day, Sunday, May 13, and Darren Dunn and…
Read more
Strawberry Shortcake, a Leather Coat and the Flying Filly
[caption id="attachment_7676" align="alignnone" width="780"] Ruling Lark breaks her maiden at ASD. Bobbie Dimma up. May 22, 1968.[/caption] by Bob Gates There is nothing sweeter than the memories evoked by one of God's majestic creations - the thoroughbred racehorse. Almost 50 years have passed since the talented bay filly, Ruling Lark ruled the roost at Assiniboia…
Read more
Woodlands’ Wizard – Ed Pawluk
[caption id="attachment_4303" align="alignright" width="270"] Ed Pawluk's Tigger Bay was voted 2003 Alberta Champion 3-Year-Old Colt.[/caption] by Bob When he's not falling out of trees, Woodlands' Ed Pawluk can be found hard at work on his 40-acre farm with his partner-for-life, Joyce. Some 40 odd years ago, Ed and Joyce sold the trailer park they owned…
Read more
Paralyzed Canadian jockey Alyssa Selman faces long road to recovery but…
[caption id="attachment_4275" align="alignright" width="270"] Alyssa Selman at the Health Sciences Centre on Thursday.[/caption] by George Paralyzed Canadian jockey Alyssa Selman was told by doctors this week that she has only a five percent chance of ever walking again, but she bubbled with talk of a dream house and horses on Thursday night in the Rehabilitation…
Read more
2014 Manitoba Derby Entries
Manitoba Derby, 66th Running Distance: 1 1/8 Miles. Age: 3-Year-Olds. Purse: $75,000 Guaranteed Weights: Fillies, 121 lbs. Colts & Geldings, 124 lbs. Fees: $100 to nominate - $700 to enter - $700 to start Click horse names for more information. Post Horse & Probable Odds Owner Trainer Jockey 1 Master Lightning (2-1) Danny Gargan &…
Read more
Wake Island, Rosemary’s Baby, together again
[caption id="attachment_1996" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Wake Island, First win at ASD, July 1, 1967"][/caption] Special horse made headlines during summer of '67 at ASD while Winnipeg hosted Pan-Am Games by Bob It was Canada’s Centennial and Winnipeg was playing host to the Pan American Games, yet a young racehorse, Wake Island, found a way to…
Read more
- 1
- 2