[caption id="attachment_16872" align="alignright" width="1000"] Ron Turcotte wins the 1970 Manitoba Centennial Derby aboard Fanfreluche.[/caption] by Bob Gates Ron Turcotte was 14 when he left school to work as a lumberjack with his father. He saw his career go from cutting lumber in the bush to construction work and eventually he found his way to E.…
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Historic Winnipeg Futurity highlights final weekend of “Live” racing at ASD
by Bob Gates This year's Winnipeg Futurity marks the 90th running of the prestigious race for 2-year-olds, which makes it the oldest continuously run race in western Canada. Yeah, I know, you'll hear a lot about the recent Canadian Derby's 90th running, but those numbers include the first 11 years of the Manitoba Derby. Fact…
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62nd Season at Assiniboia Downs in the starting gate! Milestones and Memories.
[caption id="attachment_9884" align="alignright" width="1024"] Eye Catching wins 89th running of Winnipeg Futurity in 2018 for trainer Ardell Sayler. Chavion Chow up. Historical 90th running in 2019![/caption] by Bob Gates The crazy Kentucky Derby is in the books for another year, so you know live racing at Assiniboia Downs can't be far off. Season #62 at…
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Strawberry Shortcake, a Leather Coat and the Flying Filly
[caption id="attachment_7676" align="alignnone" width="780"] Ruling Lark breaks her maiden at ASD. Bobbie Dimma up. May 22, 1968.[/caption] by Bob Gates There is nothing sweeter than the memories evoked by one of God's majestic creations - the thoroughbred racehorse. Almost 50 years have passed since the talented bay filly, Ruling Lark ruled the roost at Assiniboia…
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Philip Kives, Master of K5 Stables – A Tribute
[caption id="attachment_5380" align="alignright" width="390"] Phil Kives with Island Fling in 1978.[/caption] by Bob Gates Much has been written about the president and founder of K-tel International since his unexpected death on April 27, 2016. Today we leave the world of the Miracle Brush, Veg-O-Matic, Teflon Fry Pan, Patty Stacker and records like "Hooked on Classics"…
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Janine Smith first female jockey to win $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity in 84 years
[caption id="attachment_2880" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Janine Smith and Zdeno after winning the 2013 Winnipeg Futurity."][/caption] by George Jockey Janine Smith was in the spotlight again on Saturday night at Assiniboia Downs when she became the first female jockey in history to win the $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity. Quite an accomplishment for the 24-year-old rider from Denman…
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Balooga Bull & Ardell Sayler – Two giants in ASD history!
[caption id="attachment_2193" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Balooga Bull won the 2011 Winnipeg Futurity in a sizzling 1:10 3/5. As a 2-year-old!"][/caption] A $2,000 bargain yearling, the "Bull" was fast from the start by Bob The 37th running of the $30,000 Golden Boy Stakes, which showcases the finest 3-year-olds at the Downs going six furlongs, ran Wednesday…
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Speed and class prevail in championship stakes at ASD
[caption id="attachment_1635" align="alignright" width="270" caption="Balooga Bull and groom Richard Spencer are all smiles after winning the 2012 Gold Cup at ASD."][/caption] by George There’s no question that the highlight of the past weekend at Assiniboia Downs was Balooga Bull demolishing his opposition in the 55th running of the $50,000 Gold Cup on Saturday night. The…
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