[caption id="attachment_4312" align="alignright" width="270"] Hugh and Ruth Jackson with Mayor Steven Juba. Manitoba Derby 1976.[/caption] by Bob When it comes to Derby memories, it gets no better than Merry's Jay win on August 2, 1976. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer couple. Hugh and Ruth Jackson were another one of those special husband/wife…
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George Howell, son of a blacksmith, spent two decades training for the “House”
[caption id="attachment_3867" align="alignright" width="270"] George Victor Howell[/caption] by Bob "He was a real gentleman." That's how people who knew the man that trained horses and ran Jack Hardy's JY Farm in St. Adolphe for the better part of 20 years, described George Victor Howell. The Howell family hailed from Saskatchewan, but made their home in…
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Jet Again – 2014 Manitoba Derby Contenders
[caption id="attachment_3763" align="alignright" width="270"] Jet Again looking forward to his big race.[/caption] by George Jet Again will be the favourite among those with Manitoba connections in this year's Derby and for good reason. The homebred gelding by top local sire Going Commando moved up multiple class levels while also stretching out for the first time…
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2013 Manitoba Lotteries Derby Entries – Post Positions, Odds, Jockeys, Trainers, Owners
$75,000 Manitoba Lotteries Derby Entries - Assiniboia Downs Race 8, Monday, August 5, 2013 - Approximate Post Time: 4:53 PM Purse $75,000. 3-Year-Olds. 1 1/8-Miles. Dirt. Win, Place, Show, Superfecta, Triactor, Super High Five, Exactor & Quinella Wagering Post Horse M/L Odds Jockey Trainer Owner 1 El Cadete 25-1 Renaldo Cumberbatch Shelley Brown Tom…
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Cecil James Filby – Extraordinarily Ordinary Man
by Bob Anyone who has been around the Downs for a while has likely heard of Cecil Filby, and as our Manitoba Derby fast approaches some may wonder why I selected him for this week’s remembrance. Was it for his accomplishments in our prestigious Derby? Was it for his life-long achievements at the Downs? No.…
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Merry’s Jay: Lord of Avondale and the Toast of Manitoba
[caption id="attachment_2513" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Merry's Jay wins 1976 Manitoba Derby."][/caption] First Manitoba-bred ever to win the Manitoba Derby by Bob In 1976 Merry’s Jay won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes. Eight days later he became the first Manitoba-bred ever to win our own Manitoba Derby. Only two other horses have won the Harry Jeffrey Stakes…
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Manitoba Lotteries Derby weekend stakes shaping up perfectly for fans and bettors
[caption id="attachment_2464" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Possible Manitoba Lotteries Derby favourite Stormin Monarcho"][/caption] Rob's Picks and Analysis for July 12, 13, Preview of Derby weekend stakes by Rob I’m going to spend the next few paragraphs dealing with “what ifs” and speculating on things that could happen three weeks down the road on Manitoba Lotteries Derby…
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Balooga Bull Knocks Out Competition in 2012 Manitoba Lotteries Derby
[caption id="attachment_1358" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Balooga Bull with groom Richard Spencer"][/caption] by George Williams If it were a fight they would have stopped it 46.20 seconds into the first round. Balooga Bull had his rivals reeling early in the 64th running of the $75,000 Manitoba Lotteries Derby after a sizzling first quarter in 22.20 seconds. He…
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Cahill Chrome – Classy Californian – 2012 Manitoba Derby Contenders
[caption id="attachment_1244" align="alignright" width="270" caption=""Toto, I've a feeling we're not in California anymore...""][/caption] by George Williams Cahill Chrome ~ Classy Californian Pedigree: Cahill Road-Takes Two to Mango by Bold Badgett Owner: Roger Hansen Trainer: Roger Hansen Jockey: Rohan Singh If the Manitoba Lotteries Derby were decided on class alone, Cahill Road would be the pick.…
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Pleasant Closing – Overtime – 2012 Manitoba Derby Contenders
[caption id="attachment_1246" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Old time hockey, coach! Trainer Murray Duncan with Pleasant Closing."][/caption] by George Williams Pleasant Closing ~ Overtime Pedigree: Closing Argument-Pleasant Jolie by Pleasant Colony Owners: Murray Duncan and Garylle Stewart Trainer: Murray Duncan Jockey: Tyrone Nelson Trainer Murray Duncan can fool you. He doesn’t say much, but he knows horses. His…
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