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.

Dream Season: Ziprick Thoroughbreds Welcomes First Foals of 2026

The first thoroughbred foals of the year are on the ground in Manitoba!

Ziprick Thoroughbreds reports they have three newborn dreams so far, but we're sure there are lots more out there. If you have any new foals you're proud of, please send us photos, sires and dams, and any interesting stories you have about them. We'll share the best of what we receive here in the Inside Track.

For Cam Ziprick, this time of year carries a special kind of magic, the moment when pedigree and promise finally take their first wobbly steps into the world. And if the early arrivals are any indication, 2026 could be a very good year.

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

• Feb. 28 - Fountain of Youth (GP) - 50 points
• Feb. 28 - Gotham (AQU) - 50 points
• Mar. 1 - Rebel (OP) - 50 points
• Mar. 7 - Tampa Bay Derby (TAM) - 50 points
• Mar. 7 - San Felipe (SA) - 50 points
• Mar. 14 - Virginia Derby (CNL) - 50 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

Our fourth and final look at our Jockeys of the Past comes from the ‘Room’ in 1979 — a lot of familiar names, to be sure. Some have passed on, but what a group (Gerry Hart Photo).

Looking Past the Favourites in 2026 Rebel Stakes

Sunday's $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn Park is an important qualifier for the May 2 Kentucky Derby and an appealing betting race.

The field includes the Mark Casse-trained winners of Oaklawn’s two prior Kentucky Derby preps, Strategic Risk (Smarty Jones Stakes) and Silent Tactic (Southwest Stakes). But...

Handicapper Patrick Reed has his eye on a couple of longshots.

-- America's Best Racing

Spectacular Field for Fountain of Youth and Derby Points

Undefeated Champagne (G1) winner Napoleon Solo, Mucho Macho Man winner Commandment, and undefeated Jackson Hole, Chief Wallabee, and Swale winner Solitude Dude are five of the 11 entered for Saturday’s $425,000 Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park.

The 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth offers 105 (50-25-15-10-5) Kentucky Derby qualifying points and is one of 10 stakes on an amazing card that includes eight graded stakes!



-- Canadian Thorougbred

2026 Kentucky Derby Rankings - Week 6

There are three big Kentucky Derby preps this weekend, and Hall of Fame writer Steve Haskin is changing up his format, shortening the comments on the ranked horses to include the most pertinent information and taking a closer look at those competing in this weekend's preps.

Look closely at the comments for the horses in Saturday's Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park and Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, and for the three closely matched contenders in the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Sunday.

-- Secretariat.com

The Best of Bob

When was the quinella wager first offered in Winnipeg and what were some of the record payouts over the years. This week your favourite track historian has it all, from the early days at Polo Park racetrack through eight decades of history right here at Assiniboia Downs. Click here to learn more about what was once one of the more popular wagers offered at racetracks. (From June 21, 2024)