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ISSUE #177 - MARCH 28, 2025

Brian "Ivan Bigg" Gory

Brian Gory, known to many in the racing world as "Ivan Bigg," passed away on March 20. He was just eight days shy of his 82nd birthday.

There's now an empty carrel in the south end of the clubhouse at Assiniboia Downs that speaks volumes. For two decades, that space belonged to Brian, whose presence at the track was as reliable as the racing season itself.

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Trainer Mike Taphorn with star Manitoba-bred No Show No Call. (George Williams)

Taphorn Making His Mark at ASD

Assistant Director of Racing Derek Corbel reports there are now 200 horses on the grounds as opening day Tuesday, May 13 fast approaches, with four more trainers shipping in this week including Will Tourangeau, Jamie Hartmann, Terry Cole and Larry Cizik. Trainer Mike Taphorn is already here with his star Manitoba-bred No Show No Call, and he will have over 20 horses in his stable this year.

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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

Tickets on Sale for Easter Brunch & Mother's Day Brunch

Tickets are on sale now for Easter Brunch & Mother's Day Brunch. Tickets are selling quickly for both so call to order your tickets today! 204-885-3330.

Easter Brunch - Sunday, April 20
Mother's Day Brunch - Sunday, May 11

Click the above links for menu details and ticket prices.

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 12 & under $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.

A Snapshot in Time by Bob Gates

A legendary farewell to a racing icon—relive the final chapter in our Ken Hendricks Snapshot in Time, honouring Hank’s unforgettable ride into the record books and beyond. Click here to read more.

Cornucopian has been listed as the 7/5 favourite in Saturday's Arkansas Derby. (Coady Media)

2025 Arkansas Derby Cheat Sheet

The Arkansas Derby (G1) this Saturday at Oaklawn Park features a great matchup between multiple stakes winner Coal Battle and fast maiden breaker Cornucopian. Coal Battle has won four stakes in a row, the last two at Oaklawn Park. Will he able to catch his talented new rival?

One of the premier prep races for the Kentucky Derby, the Arkansas Derby has sent several horses on to shine in the American classic races, led by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan. ~ AmericasBestRacing.net

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Mandatory Payout Alerts:

Woodbine Harness: Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5 on Saturday, March 29. The current carryover is $131,002.
Gulfstream Park: Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Pick 6 on Sunday, March 30. The current carryover is $89,926.
Laurel Park: Mandatory payout of all carryover pools on Sunday, March 30.

Secretariat.com has been running 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 9

There are two Kentucky Derby preps this Saturday, the Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park and the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. These races often attract larger fields than normal, with horses trying to squeeze into the Kentucky Derby field.

Florida Derby favourite Sovereignty faces nine rivals and breaks from post 10. Coal Battle faces eight rivals including the Bob Baffert-trained favourite Cornucopian. Read Haskin's notes closely. ~ Secretariat.com

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Final Gambit improved his Beyer Speed Figure from 64 to 90 winning the Jeff Ruby Steaks. (Coady Media / Turfway Park)

151st Kentucky Derby: Point Leaders, But Still Early

Here are the Kentucky Derby (G1) points leaders as of March 25. Each horse is listed along with his sire, points, owners and trainer. Earnings follow along with the last three Beyer Speed Figures.

The top 20 horses on the list are currently in the field, although there are still the Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby, Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby and Blue Grass Stakes to be run.~ CanadianThoroughbred.com

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The Best of Bob by Bob Gates

From September 1, 2023: The Room

Our history guy recently ventured into one of the most restricted areas at the track—and lived to tell the tale. This week’s blog looks back at the people from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, and beyond who were directly connected to this mysterious spot. Click here to uncover the story behind one of the coolest places at Assiniboia Downs—not quite Area 51, but close.

Feedback & Inside Track Archives

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