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ISSUE #179 - APRIL 11, 2025

Trainer Judy Hunter has won 459 races and numerous stakes during her 47-year career, winning at a 21-percent clip.

Judy Hunter: Saskatchewan Racing Royalty at ASD


When Judy Hunter walks through the backstretch at Assiniboia Downs, you can feel the weight of racing history moving alongside her.


At 65, the former Saskatchewan training champion brings with her not just 21 horses for Perry Pellerin's Dark Cloud Stable, but decades of hard-won racing wisdom forged on the prairie circuit, winning 459 races at a 21-percent clip, including multiple stakes.



CLICK HERE to learn more about Judy.

2025 Live Racing Season



  • 2025 Live Race Dates - click here
  • NEW ENHANCED Shipping Incentives - click here
  • REVISED Condition Book #1 - click here
  • Stakes Schedule - click here
  • Stall Application - click here

Easter Brunch and Mother's Day Brunch


Easter Brunch and Mother's Day Brunch are both SOLD OUT.

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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, 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.


SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER: $10 off per person for any race night in May. Promotional reservations are limited and must be made before April 30th.

Click to enlarge photo

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates


Arguably, Irwin Driedger’s win aboard Chad's Champ on August 2, 1978 may not go down as a particularly memorable one, but we’re sure some will recall Chad. On June 11, 1975, Chad (#6) and Stevie’s Wonder (#10) combined for a then-record Exacta when the #6 and #10 combination paid $1,249.20. (Gerry Hart photo)

The Western Canadian Derby Series offers a $100,000 bonus to any horse that can sweep the Manitoba Derby, Canadian Derby and BC Derby, plus a lucrative owner-trainer bonus.

Western Canadian Derby Series News

$100,000 Derby Bonus and $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus


With Western Canadian race meets launching in May, the 2025 Western Canadian Derby Series promises to elevate an already thrilling season of Thoroughbred racing across Western Canada.


A $100,000 Derby Bonus awaits any three-year-old daring enough to sweep all three races, bolstered by the Manitoba Derby’s return to the series alongside the Canadian Derby and BC Derby. A $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus will further stoke the competition. ~ CanadianThoroughbred.com

CLICK FOR FULL STORY

Mandatory Payout Alerts:

  • Mohawk Park will have a mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5 on Saturday, April 12. The current carryover is $179,930.
  • Gulfstream Park will have a mandatory payout of the Jackpot Pick 6 on Sunday, April 13. The current carryover is $455,070.

Secretariat.com has been running Hall of Fame writer Steve Haskin's horse racing columns for years, and for good reason! Haskin spent decades in the backstretch learning his craft, and it shows!

Steve Haskin's Kentucky Derby Rankings Week 11


Steve Haskin's top two Kentucky Derby selections Journalism and Sovereignty, haven't changed after the Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby last Saturday, but he's moved Tuesday's Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square into the fourth spot behind Tappan Street.


If all goes according to plan, the Kentucky Derby is shaping up as a battle between two classic, regally bred horses, who are both strong closers. The best in the East vs the best in the West. ~ Secretariat.com

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Rodriguez was impressive winning the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct for trainer Bob Baffert. (Coglianese Photos / Susie Rasher)

Three Heating Up After Latest Kentucky Derby Preps

Wood Memorial winner Rodriquez, Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square, and Blue Grass runner-up East Avenue have moved into the serious Kentucky Derby conversations.


Will their credentials be good enough to seriously challenge Santa Anita Derby winner Journalism and Florida Derby runner-up Sovereignty? Mike Curry of America's Best Racing takes a closer look for the BloodHorse.

CLICK FOR FULL STORY

The Best of Bob by Bob Gates


From May 23, 2024: The Stories We Leave Behind


This week’s history blog features a potpourri of memories that came to our history guy through a special inspiration. Who knew that an everyday activity would kick-start a story from our racing past? Well, it certainly did for Bob, and he shares with us an idea to help preserve that history. Click here to learn more about the inspiration behind Bob’s story this week.

Feedback & Inside Track Archives

We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to theinsidetrack@ASDowns.com.


Did you know that past issues of The Inside Track are available on our website?

Click here to read them now.

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