Tag Archives: Phil Hayek

Fergie, the Jets and Assiniboia Downs – A Love Story

[caption id="attachment_13375" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] John Ferguson (centre) makes presentation to connections of 1981 Manitoba Derby winner Regimen. Dan Beckon far left. Trainer Mike Doyle (in hat) on left. Owner Barbara Rausch[/caption] by Bob Gates Ten years ago, Mark Chipman announced the purchase of the Atlanta Thrashers, and the Winnipeg Jets 2.0 were born. What a…
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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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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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