2026 Live Race Dates

• Tuesday, May 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 7
  Click here for full schedule.
• Reservations are now open for our renowned Prime Rib Buffet which is available on Live Race Nights only. $59.95 per person.
• 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.

Remembering Jack Robertson

December 7, 1938 - February 4, 2026

A Horseman’s Horseman

Highly respected Assiniboia Downs trainer Jack Robertson passed away on Wednesday, February 4, at the age of 87. The multiple stakes-winning trainer was well known as one of the best caretakers of horses in the history of Assiniboia Downs, and his horses always gave their best.

In a game where horses can’t speak for themselves, the highest praise one horseperson can bestow upon another is that he took care of his animals first and foremost. Jack Robertson earned that praise every single day.

Rest easy, horseman.

Full story here

Explore a Career as a Racehorse Groom!

Looking for a hands-on way to get involved in the horse racing industry?

The HBPA of Manitoba Inc. is offering a 4-week paid Racehorse Groom Training Program, a chance to learn the ropes of daily barn life while working directly with racehorses.

Applications are open now! For details and to apply, visit hbpamanitoba.ca or email hbpamanitoba@mymts.net.

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!

🎡 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

Super Bowl Recap

Super Bowl LX is done — and it wasn’t pretty. From the opening snap, the Patriots were in trouble against Seattle’s defense. I break down what went wrong, Maye’s rough night, and why this wide-open season still leaves reason for optimism heading into 2026–27 here.

Earn 3% Cash Back

Earn 3% cash back when you wager $500 or more on your HPI account from Friday, February 13 through Monday, February 16.

Maximum cash back is $50. ($2.10 payouts excluded.) Opt-in required.

Mandatory Payouts

• Saturday, February 14: Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Hi-5 at Mohawk Harness. The current carryover is $171,968.
• Sunday, February 15: Mandatory payout of the Jackpot Pick 6 at Gulfstream Park. The current carryover is $428,893.

Road to the Kentucky Derby

• Feb. 14 - Risen Star (FG) - 50 points
• Feb. 14 - Saudi Cup - 30 points
• Feb. 15 - Sunland Derby (Sun) - 20 points
• Feb. 20 - Dubai Road to Derby (Mey) - 20 points
• Feb. 21 - John Battaglia (TP) - 20 points

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool #4 - Friday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 15 - click 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

This is Part 2 of our Jockeys of the Past. It’s another fantastic photo, but the truth is, we aren’t exactly sure what we have. Our best guess is that these are the boys from Polo Park Racetrack, with Polo’s signature fence in the background, likely dating to the early 1950s. We’re still working on identifying the names of these lads. (Thorlakson Family Photo)

Six Trends to Consider When Betting the 2026 Risen Star Stakes

If you analyze the recent history of the $500,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds on Saturday, you’ll see several recurring trends suggesting the race will end in an upset.

Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson looks at six historical factors to keep in mind when handicapping the 2026 Risen Star.

-- America's Best Racing

Saudi Cup: Forever Young Headlines, Casse Starts ‘Dazzle

Breeders' Cup Classic winner Forever Young drew post position six for the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh on Saturday.

The son of Real Steel has earned over $19 million and is bidding for his second consecutive Saudi Cup. He's been listed as the 7/5 favourite against 13 rivals.

Leading Woodbine trainer Mark Casse saddles Time to Dazzle in the $2 million Turf Sprint on the undercard.

The Saudi Cup is the richest race in the world and the two day festival of racing will be on HPIBet.com. Post time on Saturday for the first race to be shown on HPI is 7:20 a.m. (CST).



-- Canadian Thorougbred

Golden Rod Winner Bella Ballerina Favoured In Rachel Alexandra

Undefeated Godolphin homebred Bella Ballerina, already a Grade 2 winner and a leading Kentucky Oaks prospect, has been installed as the 2-1 morning-line favourite for Saturday’s $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G3) on Louisiana Derby Preview Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

“She has been doing great,” said trainer Brendan Walsh. “She’s grown and gotten stronger.”

Could be a good one.

-- Paulick Report

The Best of Bob

Karen Louise Chysyk may not be a name that is easily recognizable, but she left her mark at the Downs. She won a Powder Puff Derby and conditioned 33 winners in 1980. Some of her runners included A Lot of Ability, Mr. Mar J Mar, and Susans Turn, to name just a few.

Click here to discover the life and times of this Saskatoon lass who made the Downs her home for much of the 1970s and early ’80s. (From June 23, 2021)