Remembering Donna Johnston

Longtime trainer Donna Johnston passed away last Saturday, December 6, at the age of 79.

Donna was a fixture in Barn C over the past few years at the Downs, and it was always a pleasure to stop by and say hi to her in the mornings. Donna had trained a few horses at the Downs since 1976, compiling a record of 103-130-130 from 861 starts, with her best horse being a big, tough Manitoba-bred named Arikana.

Our sincere condolences.

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!

🎄Join us for the 12 Days of Christmas from Saturday, Dec. 13 to Wednesday, Dec. 24. Complimentary snacks and free draws to pick an ornament off the Christmas Tree for a chance to win $100 cash!

🎡 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.

NFL Picks by TravyFootball

Week 15

Sunday brings some must-watch matchups: Bengals-Ravens in a huge AFC North showdown where one team's star QB has lost his edge while the other is playing dangerous spoiler ball, Bills traveling to face the red-hot Patriots on a 10-game streak with Josh Allen looking like an MVP and the division title on the line, and Seahawks-Colts where Indianapolis is so decimated by injuries they called Philip Rivers out of retirement. I've got my picks locked in—see them here.

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 second seasonal memory is the roan mare Snow Tamed. In January 1978 a snowstorm played havoc with Lexington, Kentucky sale. Corinne Jacobson purchased the filly privately, after she was bought back by the owner. On May 25, 1979 Snow Tamed started the season firing on all cylinders, chalking-up one of her four career victories. (Gerry Hart Photo)

Oaklawn Park Confidential: Track Trends, Top Trainers and Jockeys to Help Win at Upcoming Meet

Some of the winter season’s best dirt racing is coming to the Midwest with the start of Oaklawn Park’s 2025-26 meet on Friday, Dec. 12. Racing at Oaklawn boasts big fields, good betting races for handicappers, an excellent stakes program, and very strong purses throughout its 64-day season that will continue until May 2. Handicapper Noel Michaels offers insights on track trends, trainers, jockeys, preferred posts, and running styles.

-- America's Best Racing

La Prevoyante Stakes Saturday: Clair Must Be Caught

A CTHS Ontario yearling sale success story, Hurricane Clair could prove tough to beat in the restricted $100,000 La Prevoyante Stakes on Saturday at Woodbine, as she attempts to wrap up her four-year-old campaign with a third stakes victory.

The La Prevoyante marks a significant drop in class as it is restricted to Ontario-sired fillies and mares, and former ASD trainer Martin Drexler has taken the blinkers off for this race. All systems go.

-- Canadian Thoroughbred

The Best of Bob

This week Bob’s blog takes a Dickensian-like look at the date May 3rd and the 16-year span from 1969 to 1985. For one of the Downs perennial leading riders, it was the best of times, and it was the worst of times. Cryptic enough for you?

Click here and all will be explained. (From May 23, 2019)