2026 Live Race Dates

• Tuesday, May 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 7. Click here for full schedule.
• Reservations are now open for our renowned Prime Rib Buffet which is available on Live Race Nights only.
• Special Offer: $10 off per reservation in May. Use code MAYPRIME when booking. Reservations must be made by Thursday, April 30 in order to receive this special offer.

Frozen Buckets and Familiar Faces: Spring Has Sprung at the Downs

The frozen water bucket brigade is back at Assiniboia Downs, and they couldn't be happier about it.

That includes Meadow Mclean, the 23-year-old Winnipeg-born groom found in trainer Mike Taphorn's shedrow on a frigid early morning, tending to horses she knows by personality as well as name.

Over 60 horses are currently on the grounds and more are arriving daily. Less than two months to go until opening night for live racing, Tuesday, May 12!

Full story here

The fun never stops at Assiniboia Downs

Winnipeg’s place to play and win!

Did you know that Assiniboia Downs is Winnipeg's #1 Spot for VLT Jackpots? Play any of our 140 VLTs in the Club West Gaming Lounge for your chance to win!

🎡 Free Spin to Win draws — Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 6 p.m.

💸 Free $200 cash draws — Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m.

Click here to see our recent jackpots.

Road to the Kentucky Derby

• Mar. 14 - Virginia Derby (CNL) - 50 points
• Mar. 21 - Jeff Ruby Steaks (TP) - 100 points
• Mar. 21 - Louisiana Derby (FG) - 100 ponits
• Mar. 28 - Arkansas Derby (OP) - 100 points
• Mar. 28 - Florida Derby (GP) - 100 points
• Mar. 28 - UAE Derby (MEY) - 100 points

Looking for a Special Photo?

Track Photographer Jason Halstead may have just what you're looking for

Looking for that extra-special photo of your big horse, one you might not find in your win pictures? 

Track photographer Jason Halstead takes numerous photos during the races, and not all of them can make it into the win photos. If you’re looking for something frameable from your big race, or of your special horse, email Jason at jjhphoto@gmail.com.

Prices are excellent! Almost as good as his photos 😊

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates

Big Berne and rider Dick Armstrong are seen here winning the first running of the Manitoban on June 14, 1958. The time of 1:38 set a new track record for a mile and stood until Dick and Already Dia bettered that mark with a time of 1:37 3/5 on July 25, 1964. (Armstrong Family Photo)

2026 Virginia Derby at a Glance

It takes a quality 3-year-old to be a contender for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve. It can also take some astute planning to earn a spot in the field.

For the connections of 10 3-year-olds, a spot in the run for the roses will be on the line this Saturday in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

Handicapper Bob Ehalt thinks the favourite looks solid.

-- America's Best Racing

Mrs. Astor Eyes Seventh Stakes Win in Santa Ana

Mrs. Astor headlines the $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at 1 1/4 miles starting in the turn of the downhill turf course at Santa Anita on Sunday.

The 6-year-old daughter of Lookin At Lucky is aiming for her third victory in a row and seventh stakes win, but it won't be easy in a packed field of 11.

-- BloodHorse

2026 Kentucky Derby Rankings - Week 8

Steve Haskin likens this year's Kentucky Derby trail to the old movie "Love with a Proper Stranger," and he's got some good reasons for that.

With so many exciting horses having only 2-3 starts, we are falling for virtual strangers on the Derby trail. With that in mind, here is Haskin's latest episode of the "Dating Game."

"Sometimes you just get lucky and find the right one."

-- Secretariat.com

The Best of Bob

From the archives: We're revisiting this great story from August 2021.

Carl Norman Anderson has been part of Assiniboia Downs since it opened in 1958. He obtained his trainer’s licence in 1964 at the age of 19. By all accounts, the man they call “CA” has had an incredible career. As much as you may think you know Carl, I’m confident this story will reveal facts that may surprise you. Click here and prepare to be amazed.