ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #31 | June 10, 2022
  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use..
NEW SCHEDULE! The Inside Track will now be published on Fridays during the live racing season.
In this edition . . .
  • What's happening at the Downs?
  • Race Night Dining
  • 2021 Manitoba CTHS/HBPA Champions
  • Manitoba Night Market
  • Snapshot in Time
  • Partner Locations
  • Photo of the Week - Huge Crowd
  • NEW! ASD Making Memories
  • Rich Strike Meets 7 in Belmont Stakes
  • Reed / Rich Strike - Different Training Program
  • Carryover Watch
  • Bob: Sports Hall of Fame Nominations
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!
SPIN TO WIN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN THE CLUBWEST GAMING LOUNGE - Enter at the VLT cage every Thursday and Friday for a chance to spin the wheel for up to $100 cash! Draws will be made every 30 minutes starting at noon.
TREMENDOUS TUESDAYS - 4% cash back on all eligible wagering Tuesdays in June. Minimum wagered $100 (each Tuesday). Maximum deposit $25 (each Tuesday). Wagers must be placed on HPI account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included.)

BELMONT STAKES DAY - 3% cash back on all eligible wagering on Belmont on Saturday, June 11. Minimum wagered $100. Maximum deposit $25. Wagers must be placed on HPI account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included.)

NEW! ASD PLAYER PORTAL - All the important information you need for Assiniboia Downs live racing is now in one place! Watch the live feed and ASD Live handicapping show in HD. Plus free online ASD programs, free Brisnet pps, jockey bios, expert tips from ASD, Canadian Thoroughbred and Horse Racing Nation. Bookmark this page and check back daily as programs and picks will be added as they are available.

FAN EDUCATION CENTRE - If you’re new to racing make sure to stop by and see Shannon and Brad at the Fan Education Centre on the main level during live racing. They are available from 6 p.m. to the end of racing to answer all your questions. Learn how to make a wager, what the odds mean, how to read the racing program and more! And while you're there, they can help you open a free online HPIbet.com account.
CHASE THE ACE - Play Chase the Ace every live race night. Congratulations to Dave Joss who won the $1,700 jackpot on Tuesday. A new Chase the Ace jackpot starts with Monday's races.

Ace of Diamonds wins the jackpot. Other prizes: Either Joker $100, Any other card $25. Tickets are $5 and available at Guest Services from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The draw will be made at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds in support of Final Furlong.

Final Furlong is a Manitoba-based charity that helps find good homes for retired racehorses and pony horses. Visit them on Facebook @FinalFurlongCanada or FinalFurlongCanada.com.
Race Night Dining
TERRACE DINING ROOM PRIME RIB BUFFET:  Back after a long awaited pandemic hiatus is ASD's delectable all-you-can eat Prime Rib buffet filled with lots of choices including signature classics and what are sure to be your new favourites!
  • Buffet highlights include signature certified Angus prime rib of beef carvery, seafood table featuring jumbo shrimp and salmon, fresh salads and side dishes prepared with locally grown vegetables
  • Rotating entree selections of tender grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, sticky BBQ ribs, roasted meats and artisan sausages
  • Dessert table features warm fresh baked pies and your choice of ice cream plus cheesecakes, tortes and our famous bourbon bacon brownie
  • Complimentary programs and tip sheets
  • The table is yours for the entire evening of racing
  • Adults - $47.95, Seniors (65+) - $44.95, Kids 12 & under - $27.95, Kids 5 & under - $14.95
  • Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330.

PLAZA DINING: Looking for a more casual dining experience during racing? Tables on the plaza (with a view of the track) are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Choose from the Clubhouse a la carte Race Night Menu.
  • The table is yours for the entire evening of racing.
  • Minimum charge $20 per person
FATHER'S DAY BRUNCH: Treat Dad to brunch on his special day! Sunday, June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for full menu. Adults $44.95, 12 & under $21.95, 5 & under $9.95. For tickets call 204-885-3330.

Please note that there is no live racing on Father's Day as we race Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
2021 Manitoba Horse of the Year and Champion Older Mare Miss Imperial wins the Polynesian Kitty Stakes last year at ASD for trainer Murray Duncan and his ownership partner, the Estate of Garylle B. Stewart. Stanley Chadee Jr. up. Congratulations! (Jason Halstead photo)
2021 MANITOBA CTHS/HBPA CHAMPIONS
Fabulous crowd attends annual awards banquet
2021 Manitoba HBPA Champions

2-Year-Old Filly: Bankin On Betty
Owner: True North Thoroughbreds        
Trainer: Michael Nault
 
2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Diamond Digger
Owner: The Young And The Rest Of Us                                 
Trainer: Michael Nault
 
3-Year-Old Filly: Melisandre
Owner: True North Thoroughbreds and Arnason Farms   
Trainer: Lise Pruitt
 
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: City Champ
Owner: Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meike
Trainer: Wendy Anderson
 
Older Mare: Miss Imperial
Owner: Murray Duncan and the Estate of Garylle B. Stewart       
Trainer: Murray Duncan
 
Older Horse/Gelding: St. Louie Guy
Owner: Henry S. Witt       
Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
 
Sprinter: Mark Ye Well
Owner: Lucky 8 and Jared Brown                                
Trainer: Jared Brown
 
Most Astute Claim: Gold Buyer
Owner: Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle                
Trainer: Wendy Anderson
 
Harry Crane Memorial - Claiming Horse: Mark Ye Well
Owner: Lucky 8 and J. Brown           
Trainer: Jared Brown
  
Manitoba Horse of the Year: Miss Imperial
Owner: Murray Duncan and the Estate of Garylle B. Stewart     
Trainer: Murray Duncan
 
Leading Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
Leading Money Earning Trainer: Jerry Gourneau
Leading Percentage Trainer: Murray Duncan
Leading Rider: Jorge Carreno
 
Manitoba HBPA Special Recognition Award: John Field
For his outstanding contributions to the Assiniboia Racing Club.
2021 Manitoba CTHS Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Melisandre on her way to victory in the R. C. Anderson Stakes last year for breeder Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason and trainer Lise Pruitt. Stanley Chadee Jr. up. Congratulations! (Jason Halstead photo)
2021 Manitoba CTHS Champions (Manitoba-Bred)

Sport Horse of the Year Award: I’lltellyoulater
Breeder: Dr. Betty Hughes
Owner: Shannon Dickey
 
2-Year-Old Filly: Bankin On Betty
Breeder: Dr. Betty Hughes
  
2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Lucky Chuckee
Breeder: Larry Falloon
 
3-Year-Old Filly: Melisandre
Breeder: Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason 
 
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Call The Cops
Breeder: Dr. Betty Hughes
 
Older Mare: Hidden Grace
Breeder: Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason
 
Older Horse: McKague
Breeder: Nearco Ltd.
 
Broodmare Award: Terri The Magic
Breeder: Dr. Betty Hughes 
 
Stallion of the Year: Going Commando
Breeder: Cam Ziprick
 
Breeder of the Year: Dr. Betty Hughes
 
Manitoba-Bred Horse of the Year: Melisandre
Breeder: Cam Ziprick, Charles Fouillard and Barry Arnason
High Percentage Trainer of the Year Murray Duncan and ownership partner Audrey Farol (The Estate of Garylle B. Stewart) accept the Horse of the Year Award for Miss Imperial as HBPA President Blaine McLaren looks on. (Jason Halstead photo)
The Manitoba Night Market & Festival is back and in full swing! This Sunday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • 15+ food trucks
  • 100+ artisans
  • Live Bands
  • Beer Garden
  • Fire Show
  • Kid's activities including bouncy castles, face painting, balloon twisters plus special guests Ariel, Spiderman, Jack Sparrow, Elsa & Anna!
  • Tickets are $7 (5 & under free) and are available at the door
A Snapshot in Time
By Track Historian Bob Gates
On July 31, 1965, the win photo above clearly shows the winner was Gary Danelson’s Texas Colonel, but Gary’s horse isn't the story here. The horse on the rail is Mid Strome, and he was owned by Anna Stable (Louis Selyem) of Dugald, Manitoba. Mid Strome trailed the field throughout the race and just missed getting up for the win. Mid Strome went postward at an astounding 267-1 and set a record price for a $2 place bet at the Downs that till stands today, paying $242.00 to his lucky backers! (Bob Barnes photo)
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK TO WAGER?
Watch and wager at one of our partner locations:

  • Canad Inns Windsor Park - 1034 Elizabeth Road
  • Green Brier Inn - 1611 Main Street
  • Rookies at Central Hotel - 201 Melrose Avenue East
  • Quest Inn - 367 Ellice Avenue
  • McPhillips Station Casino - 484 McPhillips Street
  • Club Regent Casino - 1425 Regent Ave W
  • Wager 24/7 at HPIbet.com

OPENING SOON!
  • Club 3D - 3317 Portage Avenue
  • Nor-Villa Motor Hotel - 1763 Henderson Hwy
Photo of the Week
The annual CTHS/HBPA Awards Banquet took place for the first time since 2019 and attracted one of the largest crowds we've seen at this function in decades. A big thank you to everyone who attended! And congratulations to all the award winners! (Jason Halstead photo)
NEW! ASD Making Memories!
Do you have a memorable winning bet, a favourite horse, a big contest win, a meal/brunch shared with loved ones and friends, something special that endears you to the Downs? If so we’d love to hear from you! Send us your favourite memory of Assiniboia Downs and you might be selected for the new ASD Making Memories section of the Inside Track! If you have a photo to go with it, send that too! We welcome all submissions!
Do you have an interesting photo or memory you would like showcased in an upcoming newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
In The News
Son of Manitoba-bred mare Gold Strike third choice at 7/2 on morning-line
Mo Donegal (right) and the filly Nest shown in a workout before they start in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 11. (NYRA photo)
An accomplished field of eight will line up for the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, the 154th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets this Saturday at Belmont Park. Along with the Manitoba-connected Rich Strike, Golden Glider also has Canadian threads. He's co-owned by Ontario’s Manfred and Penny Conrad. Go Canada! More from the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
Preparations include spaced works, contrasting gallops, and chiropractic care
Trainer Eric Redd and exercise rider Gabriel Lagunes with Rich Strike at Belmont Park. (Nancy Rokos / Blood Horse photo)
Seven of the eight competitors in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) have kept to a fairly standard weekly workout schedule leading up to the 1 1/2-mile race, recording their final breezes over a three-day period from June 4-6. Trainer Eric Reed chose to do things a little differently. More from the Blood Horse here.
Carryover Watch & Programs
  • Gulfstream (June 10) - Rainbow Pick 6 - $545,714
  • Churchill (June 10) - Jackpot Pick 6 - $281,225
  • Santa Anita (June 10) - Jackpot Pick 6 - $118,103
  • Woodbine (June 10) - Jackpot Hi 5 - $95,429
  • See all carryovers here.

MANDATORY PAYOUT ALERT: Gulfstream will have a mandatory payout of the Rainbow Pick 6 on Sunday, June 12. First race post time 11:00 a.m. The current jackpot (as of Friday, June 10) is $545,714.
"I Won Big" Group
The "I Won Big" betting group is back at it this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. on the plaza. They will be playing Belmont. If you want a share email Larry at [email protected]
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates

This spring Assiniboia Downs nominated two individuals to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Currently there are only two people in the Hall for all of horse racing and 30 years have passed since the last nominee, jockey, “Bobby” Summers was inducted. Who do you think is the other Hall of Famer. Bob has all the information you need to know about the Hall, what it takes to get enshrined, and who the two nominees are for this year. Any guesses? Click here for all the details.  
Upcoming events at ASD

  • Live Racing every Monday-Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Summer of Sound - Friday, June 10 - more info
  • Manitoba Night Markets - Sundays, June 12, July 24 & August 28 - more info
  • Canada Day Fireworks & Festival - Friday, July 1 - more info
  • Gulping Horse Ultimate Beverage Festival - Saturday, July 16 - more info
  • Holi Summer Fest - Saturday, August 6 - more info
Feedback
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
The Inside Track Archives
Did you know that past issues of The Inside Track are available on our website? Click here to read them now.