by Bob Gates The August 1, 2016 Manitoba Derby will be one I never forget, and forever remember, as bittersweet. The inclement weather created a dream track if you were a mudder, but it was a less than ideal day for the Manitoba Jockey Club, which was hoping to draw a record crowd. In the…
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Pleasant Closing outgames Gotatigerbythetail to win Wheat City, Balooga Bull fourth
[caption id="attachment_2423" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Jockey Tyrone Nelson has big smile after Wheat City win aboard Pleasant Closing."][/caption] Balooga Bull uncharacteristically lacks response after half mile in 48 by George Pleasant Closing dug deep in the drive to defeat Gotatigerbythetail by a neck in the $30,000 Wheat City at ASD on Saturday night, while favoured…
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Can Balooga Bull match the excitement of Friday night’s $17,000 Pick-4 payoff in tonight’s $30,000 Wheat City?
[caption id="attachment_1635" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Baloooga Bull and groom Richard Spencer were all smiles after winning last year's Gold Cup. More of the same tonight?"][/caption] 2012 Horse of the Year stretches out, faces four rivals by George Balooga Bull stretches out for the first time this year Saturday night in the $30,000 Wheat City going…
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Balooga Bull, Free Press Stakes, Tequila the Mechanical Bull headline Father’s Day at the Downs
[caption id="attachment_1243" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Balooga Bull looking forward to $30,000 Free Press Stakes rematch with Pleasant Closing on Father's Day."][/caption] Two tough bulls featured in stellar Father's Day racing card by George Can you ride a bull? No, not a real one, a mechanical one? Sure you can, on Father’s Day at the Downs!…
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Pleasant Closing spoils Balooga Bull’s 2013 debut with hard fought neck win
[caption id="attachment_2135" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Pleasant Closing walks into the Winner's Circle with groom Johnathan Mills after winning the third race Wednesday night."][/caption] Best race of the year to date sets gutsy pair up for rematch by George Balooga Bull gave it everything he had on Wednesday night but the 2012 Horse of the Year…
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29th Annual Manitoba Thoroughbred Awards
[caption id="attachment_1823" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Ardell Sayler (left) receives 2012 Horse of the Year Award for Balooga Bull from Blair Miller. Gerry Hart Photo."][/caption] The 29th Annual Manitoba Thoroughbred Awards were held on April 20, 2013 at Assiniboia Downs and attendance was excellent! The ceremonies were kicked off with a rousing speech by Assiniboia Downs…
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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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Friday’s Feature Race at ASD Wide Open, Hazel Wright Sire Stakes Saturday, Maintenance Man Longshot
[caption id="attachment_534" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Maintenance Man - Longshot in 5th on Friday"][/caption] by Rob The live racing season is off to an exciting start and it will only get better as the first stakes race of the year, the Hazel Wright Sire Stakes, takes place on Saturday night. That’s a good reason in itself to…
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