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.

Bill Drew Outdistances Field in March Player's Choice Tourney

Horse owner and retired agricultural consultant Bill Drew outdistanced the field to win the March Player's Choice Handicapping Tournament last Saturday with a whopping total of $154.40, taking home $1,000 cash plus a trophy.

Drew's winning total was $77.80 more than the runner-up, and probably the largest winning margin we've ever seen in this tournament. 

"Everyone else must have had a bad day," he said. "And that's a pretty good group of handicappers."

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.

Sincere Condolences

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Joe Meek, a familiar and respected presence on the backstretch for many years. Dr. Meek was a steady hand, a trusted professional, and a friend to so many within our racing community.

His dedication to the care and well-being of the horses, along with his quiet support of the people behind the scenes, left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew him during this difficult time.

More on the Manitoba HBPA Facebook Page.

Road to the Kentucky Derby

• April 4 - Blue Grass (Kee) - 100 points
• April 4 - Santa Anita Derby - 100 points
• April 4 - Wood Memorial (Aqu) - 100 points
• April 11 - Lexington (Kee) - 20- points
• May 2 - Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby Future Pool #6

• Friday, April 3
• Saturday, April 4

3% Cash Back

Earn 3% cash back when you wager $100 or more on any track through your HPI account on Saturday, April 4. You must opt in here. (Maximum cash back: $25. $2.10 payouts not included.)

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

Y Stable’s Bocage won the Manitoban Handicap on July 28, 1962, for trainer George Howell. Pictured are Mrs. J. S. McDiarmid (left), wife of Manitoba’s former Lieutenant Governor, and Mrs. Hardy (right).

The story, however, is about Winnipeg jockey Tommy Stadnyk, who was leading rider at the Downs in 1959, 1960, and 1961 before moving west in 1964. Thanks to Jay Blackwell and Darryn Armstrong (son of four-time leading Downs rider Dickie Armstrong – 1962, 1964, 1965 and 1967), we know Tommy is still with us, living in a care facility in Edmonton — and set to turn 101 this December. They make jockeys tough! (ASD Archives Photo)

2026 Santa Anita Derby Cheat Sheet

The final three major prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are on tap for Saturday in New York, Kentucky, and California, so by this time next week the field for the 2026 run for the roses will nearly be finalized.

The last prep scheduled is the $500,000, Santa Anita Derby (G1), which has historically been an influential prep race for the Triple Crown.

Handicapper Noel Michaels takes a good look at the field. More analysis on this weekend's Wood Memorial and Blue Grass Stakes also at:

-- America's Best Racing

Renegade is Red Hot Heading to Kentucky Derby

The Into Mischief colt Renegade is all the rage for the 152nd Kentucky Derby (G1) on the first Saturday in May after a jaw-dropping four-length romp in the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park last Saturday.

On a day of big races around the world, including the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream, Renegade was the talk of the racing universe with one racing media person even saying on ‘X’, “Is there any point in even running the Derby this year, who’s going to beat Renegade?"

But there's a reason they run horse races.

-- Canadian Thoroughbred

2026 Kentucky Derby Rankings - Week 11

Only one more weekend to go and all the Derby preps will be in the bank except for the Lexington Stakes.

Last weekend was productive with formful stakes and top-class performances. Steve Haskin now has 20 horses on his list, and they are still very tough to separate.

If you like a horse in this year's Kentucky Derby, you're likely going to get a solid price.

-- Secretariat.com

The Best of Bob

From the Archives – June 24, 2022

The Downs was Dick and Gloria Armstrong’s home away from home. Dick was one of the top jockeys to race here in the 1960s. Sixty years ago, he won the first of his four leading rider titles. Bob has gone through the record books to highlight the career of the jockey from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. Click here to read his tribute to Dick Armstrong and his Diamond Jubilee.