[caption id="attachment_20331" align="alignright" width="1000"] The Room. 2023 Assiniboia Downs Jockey Colony.[/caption] by Bob Gates Deep within the confines of the north end of the Assiniboia Downs grandstand on the lower level is a restricted area where only jockeys, valets and officials are allowed. Of course, this is “The Room,” the place jockeys call home. Thoughts…
Read more
M&M’s: Sweet Treats for the Soul
[caption id="attachment_15472" align="alignright" width="1000"] Coherence. August 29, 1959. Trainer Gary Danelson's first win.[/caption] by Bob Gates Well, now that we have a couple of days of racing under our belt, let's celebrate with some M&M's. Nope, not the multi-coloured, button-shaped chocolates which are the flagship product of Mars, Incorporated. We're talking about milestones and memories…
Read more
August 20, 1976 – A Dashingly Special Memory!
[caption id="attachment_13528" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Dashing Demon draws away! August 20, 1976.[/caption] by Bob Gates This year marks the 10th season that the history blog has been recalling racing memories. Back in 2012, I was asked to write a weekly historical blog that would run during the Downs live thoroughbred race meet. Fast forward to the…
Read more
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…
Read more
Remembering Turn to Rule, the little blazed-faced chestnut, that could
[caption id="attachment_3333" align="alignright" width="270"] Turn To Rule in the Winner's Circle at ASD with Linda Wedge. July 20, 1980. Larry Bird up.[/caption] by Bob Turn to Rule's Jockey Club registration papers described his distinctive blaze as "a large irregular star and connected stripe," but what really differentiated the multiple stakes winner from so many of…
Read more
Nifty Dominated the Wheat City Stakes at ASD
[caption id="attachment_929" align="alignright" width="252" caption="Nifty wins 1986 Wheat City Handicap"][/caption] by Bob Who knew? The Downs has honoured the City of Brandon with a race carrying the name “Wheat City” since it first opened in 1958. According to old media guides and newspaper accounts this year’s Wheat City Stakes should be the 42nd running, but…
Read more