[caption id="attachment_10563" align="alignright" width="1000"] Marge and Vic Clare with one of their many winners together, Cognitive Unit.[/caption] by Bob Gates Marge and Victor Clare ran one of those typical "Mom & Pop" stables. Their story is a good one, except for the part that it took me seven years to get it done. Marge and…
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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…
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Assiniboia Downs celebrates Diamond Jubilee as dark, mysterious stranger lurks
by Bob Gates Have you seen him? His slicked-back black-as-night hair high atop the 60-year-old Assiniboia Downs grandstand. For the last couple of months his signature morning screams have echoed throughout the grounds as the Downs prepares to kick off Season 60. For those who aren't sure who or what I'm talking about, I'm…
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Spring, Sprints and a Spike, with record-setting speed
[caption id="attachment_15760" align="alignright" width="390"] Trainer Phil Hayek with Northern Spike.[/caption] by Bob Those of us who go back to the early 1980s will know that "Spike" is none other than Northern Spike. He was owned and bred by the late Ivan Dowler in partnership with sons Graham, John and Dan - Graham and John have…
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Joseph Nandor Selyem, A Man For All Horses
[caption id="attachment_2618" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Joseph Selyem. First win! Kelsey Dancer, June 7, 1967. Assiniboia Downs."][/caption] Not a horse was born that he wouldn’t ride! by Bob Perhaps legendary Downs' trainer, the late Don Gray, described him best when he said: “He is outstanding on horses that are a little erratic or nervous. He’s always…
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Dawn breaks on season #56 at Assiniboia Downs
[caption id="attachment_1852" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Saugeen Linda from David Swail's barn. Won a race Opening Day at Assiniboia Downs on June 14, 1963. 50 years ago!"][/caption] Fond memories of opening day at the Downs by Bob It’s hard to believe that seven months have passed since we put a wrap on the 2012 live racing…
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