We Sure Could Use a Little Good News Today

The barn area fell silent on Christmas Eve, save for the scratchy backstretch speakers playing the local country music station. John Smith sat on a five-gallon pail outside stall forty-seven with his horse Valor, nursing a lukewarm coffee while light snow drifted through an opening in the barn and collected on his jacket.

Anne Murray's voice floated through the cold December air... We sure could use a little good news today...

Unbeknownst to them, it was coming.

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!

🎄Join us for the 12 Days of Christmas daily through Wednesday, Dec. 24. Complimentary snacks and free draws to pick an ornament off the Christmas Tree for a chance to win $100 cash!

🎡 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.

NFL Picks by TravyFootball

Week 17

31-17 on the season. 2-1 last week. This week? I'm locked in on three games where playoff dreams are on the line.One team just pulled off the comeback of the year and needs to protect first place. Another's chasing a division crown with two games left. And that QB who wasn't having fun? He just dropped four TDs and looks dialed in. Read the full breakdown.

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

As we celebrate the Christmas season, may the peace and joy of this special time stay with us throughout 2026. Pictured here is Ivan Dowler and sons' Peace Night from October 3, 1977. The dark bay gelding was a solid competitor during his time (1975 to 1979) at the Downs. (Gerry Hart Photo)

Merry Christmas to all, from your born-on-Christmas Day history guy, and may you never be too grown-up to search the skies on Christmas Eve.

Doc Sullivan, Bank Frenzy Clash Again In Alex M. Robb

Multiple stakes-winners Doc Sullivan and Bank Frenzy will renew their rivalry in the $125,000 Alex M. Robb, a one-turn mile for New York-bred 3-year-olds and up, on Friday, Dec. 26, at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Doc Sullivan and Bank Frenzy will be facing each other for the fifth time, with the score currently tied at 2-2. 

A great race for Boxing Day!

-- Paulick Report

Unsung Heroes: Canada’s Winningest Horses of 2025

There were dozens of thoroughbreds across Canada who were stars on their own circuit, whether they were winning stakes races or claiming races. Fans loved to bet on them, and grooms, owners, trainers, and breeders celebrated them when they raced.

Here are a few of the winningest horses at Canadian tracks in 2025, including one from Manitoba!

-- Canadian Thorougbred

Santa Anita Postpones Opening Day Until Dec. 28

The opening day of Santa Anita Park's Classic Meet, traditionally held Dec. 26, will be postponed for two days until Dec. 28 ahead of this week's declining weather forecast.

While it is difficult to predict weather forecasts with certainty, the current models have an atmospheric river set to dump significant rain on the Southern California area beginning the afternoon of Dec. 23 through late Dec. 26.

-- BloodHorse

The Best of Bob

Well, it's time for our annual holiday treat from your "born-on-Christmas-Day" track historian—my take on Clement Clarke Moore's poem 'A Visit from Saint Nicholas.'

The result is a Christmas classic with a local horse racing flavour that we can enjoy every holiday season. Click here for my version of A Racetracker's Night Before Christmas—and Merry Christmas! (From December 17, 2020)