Kentucky Derby - Saturday, May 3



• ASD opens at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2 & Saturday, May 3. The first race post time for Churchill is 10 a.m. for both days.
• Watch ASD Live's Kentucky Derby Show featuring Kirt & Stretch on our YouTube Channel
• Free Kentucky Derby Programs and DRF at all locations
• Draws for a Kentucky Derby merchandise package at all locations on Saturday
• Buy a RazDerby Lemonade at ASD on Saturday for $9.95 and get a Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glass.

Live Racing starts May 13



Live racing returns to Assiniboia Downs on Tuesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.! Enjoy the thrill of the races with free admission and parking, plus an exciting lineup of free family fun starting at 6:30 p.m. Bring the kids early for face painting, bouncy castles, and lively children’s entertainment — it's the perfect way to kick off the live racing season!

Live Racing Prime Rib Buffet

Reservations are now open for our live racing Certified Angus Prime Rib Buffet featuring succulent, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib prepared to perfection, chicken, seafood table, rotating entree selections and much more! Buffet prices: Adults $59.95, Seniors (65+) $54.95, Kids 6 to 12 years old $34.95, Kids 5 & under $22.95.

The Jets are Cookin'

The late Dale Hawerchuk’s love for horse racing was as notable as his talent on the ice. In the off-season, the Hall of Fame center often spent time watching the races at Assiniboia Downs, balancing his passion for sports with time at the family cottage and enjoying local Winnipeg favourites.

While his on-ice legacy includes a Calder Trophy and over 100 points in his rookie season, Hawerchuk also embraced the community, contributing to The Jets Are Cookin’, a 1981 fundraiser cookbook, with his signature “Monster Cookies.” The article and some of the recipes appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press on Tuesday, April 29.

CLICK HERE for Dale's recipe and more.

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates

This week’s Snapshot in Time comes courtesy of Gloria Hill Armstrong, widow of former Downs jockey George Richard “Dickie” Armstrong. Dick won four Downs leading rider titles (1962, ’64, ’65, and ’67). He passed away on November 16, 2009.

Mrs. A, as I like to call her, explained that the photo was taken the night the Jocks' Guild honoured him for his service to the Association. Another former Downs rider, Tak Inouye, looks on during the presentation ceremonies.

Currently, Mrs. A is battling some health issues. Please join me in sending best wishes to her and her son Darryn as they face their ongoing challenges. (Armstrong family photo)

2025 Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet

Journalism Favoured Over 20 Rivals on Saturday

The 151st Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday at Churchill Downs, and everyone wants to know who the winner will be.

Nobody knows for sure, but morning-line favourite Journalism looks like the horse to beat. America's Best Racing has the scoop on all 20 horses, and there are definitely some live longshots!

Kentucky Derby 151 Handicapping Analysis

An In-Depth Handicapping Take On The Derby

Steve Haskin has been picking Journalism from the very beginning at Secretariat.com, and he's not changing his mind, but this week he's going deep.

Haskin handicaps the world's most famous two minutes in sports, the 151st Kentucky Derby, for speed, class, pace, closers, longshots, and more.

Over 3,900 beautiful words and a great read here.

~ Secretariat.com

2024 Sovereign Award Winners

Free Press Columnist Wins For Outstanding Writing

The Jockey Club of Canada hosted the 50th Annual Sovereign Awards on Thursday, April 24, in Woodbridge, Ontario, and local scribe Mike McIntyre was among the award winners. Mike won the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Writing.

Trainer Roger Attfield and jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson were presented with special Sovereign Awards, and Patches O'Houlihan was crowned Canada's Horse of the Year.

Michael Olito

(March 25, 1942 - April 25, 2025)

Longtime ASD supporter and horse owner Michael Thomas Olito passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 83 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Verla; his sisters, Jennifer Olito and Margaret Smith (Robert); and many nieces and nephews. Born in England on March 25, 1942, Michael immigrated to Canada in 1945 with his mother and sister to join his father near MacGregor, Manitoba.

He grew up on a farm, attended school in MacGregor, and showed an early passion for art and sports. After graduating from high school, he attended Teacher’s College, taught for a few years, then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba.

Well known for his creative projects, Michael built a wooden helicopter that he "flew" from the Legislature to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, constructed a river ferry, and presented a solo show at the WAG.

Michael shared a deep love of horse racing with his wife Verla. Together they owned and trained numerous horses at Assiniboia Downs from 1979 to 2019 and won 38 races.

Our sincere condolences to Michael's family and many friends.

The Best of Bob by Bob Gates

From June 30, 2021: A Dashingly Special Memory!

Believe it or not, the Downs’ history blog is entering its 10th season of sharing racing stories from the past. From 2012 to the present, the Downs’ historian has penned 180 tales from yesteryear. Click here to discover the history guy’s fondest racing memory — he says it’s one no one will see coming. You’d never guess this one. Not in a million years!