[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
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…
Read more
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,…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
The Manitoba Derby, The Forgotten Years – 1930 to 1940
[caption id="attachment_7550" align="alignnone" width="780"] The first winner of the Manitoba Stakes-Derby. Jack Whittier. 1930.[/caption] by Bob Gates It's been 57 years since Jack Hardy resurrected our Manitoba Derby in 1960 and this year's Derby is the 69th running of what was once touted as the "Run for the Tartan." I've never been a math genius,…
Read more
The Rivalry. Northern Spike and Mr. Macho
[caption id="attachment_7208" align="alignnone" width="780"] Derby Trial stretch drive 1980. Northern Spike inside. Mr. Macho outside.[/caption] by Bob Gates Mr. Macho and Northern Spike's two-year rivalry at Assiniboia Downs was a classic. Why just 1979 and 80? Well, after 1980 "Spike" raced at the Downs until May 1984. "Macho" move to Woodbine and Fort Erie in…
Read more
Bimbo the Pony, Legend and Legacy
[caption id="attachment_6005" align="alignright" width="780"] Bimbo the Pony with Allan Gray.[/caption] by Bob Gates All of you who remember or who have ever heard of a horse named "Bimbo" please raise your hands. I don't see many arms in the air. That's not unexpected. Until I found an old obscure newspaper article from the now defunct…
Read more
Philip Kives, Master of K5 Stables – A Tribute
[caption id="attachment_5380" align="alignright" width="390"] Phil Kives with Island Fling in 1978.[/caption] by Bob Gates Much has been written about the president and founder of K-tel International since his unexpected death on April 27, 2016. Today we leave the world of the Miracle Brush, Veg-O-Matic, Teflon Fry Pan, Patty Stacker and records like "Hooked on Classics"…
Read more