[caption id="attachment_19965" align="alignright" width="1000"] Fire n Desire. 1969 Manitoba Derby. In the special infield winner's circle. Note the Silver Derby Trays.[/caption] by Bob Gates Wasn’t that a Derby! A record-breaking $3,708,804 was wagered on Manitoba’s most prestigious race, making the historic 75th running of the Manitoba Derby the largest Derby Day handle, bettering last year’s…
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The day that shaped the face of Assiniboia Downs, September 25, 1957
[caption id="attachment_4237" align="alignright" width="270"] R. J. Speers and Scotty Kennedy. 1948 Canadian Derby.[/caption] by Bob If it is possible to single out a date that marked the "birth" of Assiniboia Downs, Wednesday September 25, 1957 would be that day. On that historic Wednesday Jack Hardy, President of James Enterprises Ltd. announced the appointment of Alexander…
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Psst, Hey Mister, Wanna Buy a Horse?
by Bob [caption id="attachment_14940" align="alignright" width="270"] Omar's Gift wins 1942 Winnipeg Futurity at Polo Park.[/caption] The story of Omar’s Gift is the stuff that legends are made of! There was a time when most everyone knew the story of Omar’s Gift, but not so much any more, and as your historian, that’s where I…
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