December Dreams Come True for Brandon Barter and Roger Jones

Brandon Barter won last Saturday's Player's Choice Tournament for the second time, but this time he won it by himself, and Roger Jones finally got what he always wanted for Christmas, the Handicapper of the Year title.

For Barter, it's a trophy he can finally call his own. For Jones, the Handicapper of the Year title is also...

The birthday present he always wanted. 

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

Week 18

Week 18 is here and the stakes couldn't be higher – division titles, playoff seeding, and postseason lives on the line. I've got three games that caught my eye this weekend, including a Saturday night NFC West thriller and a Sunday night AFC North battle that's going to be a war. After going 2-1 last week, I'm sitting at 33-18 on the season. Let's finish strong.Check out the full breakdown 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

While the season of Burl Ives, Gene Autry and Nat King Cole is behind us, over the next four weeks, we here at the Snapshot in Time want to acknowledge some holiday greetings we received from members of our racetrack family.

We heard from Bobbie Clake who sent her best wishes. Pictured above is Will Scoot Away who won the Manitoba Stakes in 1981. Bobbie lost her husband Ted a few years back, but Mrs. C fondly remembers "Scoot" and his big stakes win on June 14, 1981. Nice hearing from you Mrs. C! (Gerry Hart Photo)

Who Is the 2025 Canadian Horse of the Year?

While the memories and reviews of 2025 roll in from all parts of the world, Canadian Thoroughbred racing had some stellar performers during the year, coast to coast.

A select group of horsepeople and media will be filling out the ballots of the champions of 2025 for the 51st Sovereign Awards on January 12 through January 25.

Who will be Horse of the Year?

-- Canadian Thoroughbred

Sizing Up the 2026 Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park

The spring classics will soon be taking shape. Horses that were 2 at the start of the week will turn 3 on Thursday, and talk of the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) will begin to intensify.

On Saturday, the Smarty Jones Stakes from Oaklawn Park will serve as one of the day's two 3-year-old stakes with Kentucky Derby points, along with the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct. Here's the rundown on the Smarty Jones field.

-- BloodHorse

Noel’s Weekend Winners: Profitable Gulfstream Stakes Picks for the New Year

Happy New Year everyone! Let’s kickoff 2026 with a new set of Weekend Winners from Noel Michaels at America's Best Racing. This weekend's focus is on Saturday’s two stakes at Gulfstream Park, the Mucho Macho Man Stakes for newly turned 3-year-olds and the Ginger Brew Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the grass. If he can pick the winners of these two early January features, we will be well on our way to good start to the new year.

-- America's Best Racing

The Best of Bob

Recently our history guy sat down with Dr. Norm Elder and chatted about his career at the Downs, which dates back to the mid-1960s. At one time Elder owned and trained racehorses, then he got into the breeding end of the sport. Three and a half hours later, Bob realized they had but scratched the surface of his amazing career. 

Click here to learn everything you ever wanted to know about "Doc" Elder, but were afraid to ask. (From Sept. 16/22)