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WINNIPEG, MB — May 12, 2026 — It was a beautiful evening at Assiniboia Downs tonight as the 2026 horse racing season officially got underway. While the Winnipeg air still carried a bit of a spring chill, the atmosphere at the track was warm as fans gathered to welcome back the horses for a fresh year of racing.
The opening night featured a six-race program. Getting the horses ready this year was no small feat, as a lingering and unpredictable spring made training conditions difficult for everyone in the barns. However, the local horse people put in the extra work to ensure the fields were ready for the starting gate.
The night saw the launch of a few new features designed to give fans more options at the windows. The $1 Pick 4 carried a $50,000 guarantee tonight, and there was plenty of interest as the final pool reached over $87,000.
The track also introduced the new $3 Prime Pick 3, which was offered in the first three races and the last three races in the program to give players a shot at some larger payouts.
As the 2026 meet moves forward, the track continues its commitment to providing value for fans. All bet types feature a takeout rate below 20%, maintaining an 18.34% average that remains among the lowest in North America.
"It feels great to be back," said Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs. "The weather has been a bit stubborn lately, but seeing the horses back on the track makes it feel like spring has finally arrived. We’re really grateful to the horse people for their hard work during a tough training season, and we're just excited to get this meet started for our fans and the community."
The action continues on Wednesday, May 13, starting at 7:30 p.m. Central / 8:30 p.m. Eastern. For the rest of the 50-day season, racing will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday night, with a few select Mondays.
For more details on the schedule or to plan a visit, fans can check out ASDowns.com.
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