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Stay up-to-date with the latest news from Assiniboia Downs.
| | ISSUE #231 - APRIL 10, 2026 | | Live Racing starts Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. | | |
2026 Live Race Dates
- Tuesday, May 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 7. Click here for full schedule.
- Reservations are now open for our renowned all-you-can-eat 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.
| | Leading percentage trainer Mike Nault has assembled another powerful stable for 2026 at ASD. (George Williams) | | |
Nault rolling toward another big season at the Downs
Trainer Mike Nault has been on a roll for the past three years, and it looks like he could be headed for another banner season in 2026.
Nault has 20 horses at the track, among the 250 that are now on the grounds preparing for opening evening on Tuesday, May 12, and seven of his horses are well-bred youngsters.
The leading percentage trainer among trainers with more than 20 starts in 2025, Nault compiled a record of 32-18-9 from 89 starts last season, which represents an amazing 36 per cent win clip.
He credits his owners and his grooms for his success.
Full story here
| | Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. | | |
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.
| | | Trainer Mike Nault (right) and co-owners Nolan Allard (left) and Phil Allard celebrate after winning the 36th running of the J.W. Sifton Stakes with Betterlucknexttime on Sept. 10, 2025. Click image for full size. (Jason Halstead / Assiniboia Photo)
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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 😊
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A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates
On June 29, 1963, the daughter of Last Drink bested a field of ten $1,000 claimers that included three-time Western Canada Handicap champion, 13-year-old Light Dust. First Drink was owned and trained by Mrs. J. D. Mathes and ridden by Dickie Armstrong.
In 1955, First Drink’s dam won 11 of her 21 starts, finished second twice, and third three times — not bad for a horse that “Bud” Mathes purchased for $600. (ASD Archives Photo)
| | So Happy won the Santa Anita Derby at 7-to-1 for trainer Mark Glatt and owners Norman Stables and Saints or Sinners. (Benoit photo) | | |
$12,000 Weanling So Happy Wins Santa Anita Derby
So Happy scored a joyous win for longshot players in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 4. A $12,000 weanling purchase, So Happy collected 100 points and is now headed to the Kentucky Derby.
Trained by Mark Glatt, So Happy and jockey Mike Smith pulled off a 7-to-1 upset over favoured Potente in the Santa Anita Derby, and for the 53-year-old Glatt, it was an especially emotional win.
The victory came less than two months after his wife of 25 years, Dena, died of heart failure.
-- Canadian Thoroughbred
| | Steve Haskin's weekly Kentucky Derby Rankings takes a closer look at the contenders in the big Derby preps this weekend. Always worth a read! | | |
2026 Kentucky Derby Rankings - Week 12
All the major Kentucky Derby preps are in the books, and Hall of Fame scribe Steve Haskin has reverted to his long-winded comments, especially on the top-ranked horses. He's also focusing on the Thoro-Graph numbers from the previous week, as they are quite revealing, while also taking a closer and more personal look at #1 contender Renegade.
In the coming weeks, Steve will have a Pros and Cons piece, as well as historical perspectives and bloodlines.
The best Kentucky Derby contender research you'll find anywhere. Thanks, Steve!
-- Secretariat.com
| | Track Historian Bob Gates | | |
The Best of Bob
From the Archives – August 27, 2019
In this week’s blog story, I gathered quotes about an influential owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses from the late 1960s. Can you guess who these quotes are referring to?
“His death is a tragedy, particularly at his age... He was one of God’s few noblemen.”
Hint: In 2019, a stakes race on the final weekend of live racing celebrated its 50th running — I have the story here.
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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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