ASSINIBOIA DOWNS
The Inside Track | Issue #35 | July 8, 2022
  • Open daily from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
  • VLTs, Race Carrels and Tables are sanitized between customer use.
In this edition . . .
  • What's happening at the Downs?
  • Race Night Dining
  • Spectacular Canada Day-Week
  • MJC Announces Two New Board Members
  • Partner Locations
  • Photo of the Week - Canada Day Crowd
  • Queen's Plate/Oaks Update
  • New Exhibits at Racing Hall of Fame
  • Carryover Watch
  • Bob: The Corner Office Man
  • Upcoming Events
Do the Downs!
SPIN TO WIN THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS IN THE CLUB WEST GAMING LOUNGE - Enter at the VLT cage every Thursday and Friday for a chance to spin the wheel for up to $100 cash! Draws will be made every 30 minutes starting at noon.
MONDAY MADNESS - 3% cash back on all eligible racing on Monday, July 4, 11, 18 & 25. Minimum wagered $100 (per Monday). Maximum deposit $25 on eligible wagering each Monday. Wagers must be placed on HPIbet.com account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included). Promotion deposit will be made on Wednesdays.

SARATOGA OPENING DAY BONUS - 5% cash back on all eligible racing from Saratoga on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Minimum wagered $100. Maximum deposit $25. Wagers must be placed on HPIbet.com account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included).

DEL MAR OPENING DAY BONUS - 4% cash back on all eligible racing from Del Mar on Friday, July 22, 2022. Minimum wagered $100. Maximum deposit $25. Wagers must be placed on HPIbet.com account to qualify. ($2.10 payoffs not included).
ASD PLAYER PORTAL - All the important information you need for Assiniboia Downs live racing is now in one place! Watch the live feed and ASD Live handicapping show in HD. Plus free online ASD programs, free Brisnet pps, jockey bios, expert tips from ASD, Canadian Thoroughbred and Horse Racing Nation. Bookmark this page and check back daily as programs and picks will be added as they are available.
FAN EDUCATION CENTRE - If you’re new to racing make sure to stop by and see Shannon and Brad at the Fan Education Centre on the main level during live racing. They are available from 6 p.m. to the end of racing to answer all your questions. Learn how to make a wager, what the odds mean, how to read the racing program and more! And while you're there, they can help you open a free online HPIbet.com account.
CHASE THE ACE - Play Chase the Ace every live race night. Ace of Diamonds wins the $1,000 jackpot. Other prizes: Either Joker $100, any other card $25. Tickets are $5 and available at Guest Services from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The draw will be made at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds in support of Final Furlong. LGCA-5630-RF-34975.

Final Furlong is a Manitoba-based charity that helps find good homes for retired racehorses and pony horses. Visit them on Facebook @FinalFurlongCanada.
ONLINE TOURNAMENT DATES: The next Las Vegas Challenge Tournament goes Monday, July 18. The deadline to enter is Saturday, July 16 at 1 p.m. No late entries will be accepted. Entry form. Tournament rules.

PRIZES: 1st Place: Trip for two to Las Vegas *, 2nd Place: $500, 3rd Place: $250

QUALIFY DAILY: Qualify every live race day for a reduced entry fee by picking three winners on the ASD race card. Click here for the current qualifiers.

ENTRY FEE: $50 which you can reduce to zero by predicting three winners on the ASD race cards leading up to the tournament. 

For more information, tournament rules and qualifying days please email Sheri at [email protected].

(* The winner of the tournament will be provided $3,500 to book their trip and accommodations to Las Vegas)
Race Night Dining
TERRACE DINING ROOM PRIME RIB BUFFET: Back after a long awaited pandemic hiatus is ASD's delectable all-you-can eat Prime Rib buffet filled with lots of choices including signature classics and what are sure to be your new favourites!
  • Buffet highlights include signature certified Angus prime rib of beef carvery, seafood table featuring jumbo shrimp and salmon, fresh salads and side dishes prepared with locally grown vegetables
  • Rotating entree selections of tender grilled chicken, crispy fried fish, sticky BBQ ribs, roasted meats and artisan sausages
  • Dessert table features warm fresh baked pies and your choice of ice cream plus cheesecakes, tortes and our famous bourbon bacon brownie
  • Complimentary programs and tip sheets
  • The table is yours for the entire evening of racing
  • Adults - $47.95, Seniors (65+) - $44.95, Kids 12 & under - $27.95, Kids 5 & under - $14.95
  • Reservations are required. Call 204-885-3330.

PLAZA DINING: Looking for a more casual dining experience during racing? Tables on the plaza (with a view of the track) are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
  • Choose from the Clubhouse a la carte Race Night Menu.
  • The table is yours for the entire evening of racing.
  • Minimum charge $20 per person
At The Post with G.S. Thompson
Bella Galina lights up the tote board at 50-1 in the 7th race on Monday July 4th at ASD with Leroy Nelson in the saddle, setting off her own brand of fireworks in the form of huge payoffs! (Jason Halstead photo)
Spectacular Canada Day, Stellar Stakes Performances
Million-dollar-plus handles continue
A spectacular Canada Day Celebration, three more million-dollar-plus handles, the highest price winner of the meeting and stellar stakes performances highlighted the past week at the Downs.

A crowd of over 10,000 were treated to spectacular fireworks, fine live music that fit the mood perfectly, arts, crafts, assorted wares and delicious food from the Manitobans you’ve grown to love at Assiniboia Downs on Canada Day. And it was the crowd (YOU!) that made the event a tremendous success! The sun came out and there were smiles everywhere.

And those smiling faces spilled over to Monday, July 4 on the track for happy bettors who cashed in on the longest-priced winner of the meeting. Bella Galina ($103.80) went off at 50-1 in the seventh race on Monday and rallied late to set off some fireworks of her own in the form of huge payoffs.

Not only did the 8-year-old mare trained by Tom Gardipy, Jr. pay over $100 to win, she also topped of a 20-cent Jackpot Hi-5 that paid one local bettor a monstrous $38,513.66, a $1 Exacta that paid $578.50, a $2 Quinella that returned $714.40, a $1 Triactor that paid $4,364.35, and a 20-cent Superfecta that returned $4,257.29! Wow!

On Tuesday night, fans got a glimpse of a brewing battle between the top two Manitoba-bred 3-year-old males as Bettermakethattwo and Bearly Regal went at it in the 35th running of the $35,000 Frank Arnason Memorial Stakes. Bettermakethattwo came out the victor by 2 ¾-lenghts this time, but Bearly Regal gave it a great try considering he stumbled at the break.

Bred by Jean McEwen, Bettermakethattwo (Going Commando-Two Dorcas by Two Punch) is trained by Larry Cizik for Janice Braiden and was ridden to victory by Stanley Chadee Jr. A big, beautiful chestnut gelding, Bettermakethattwo is now a perfect 3-for-3 and has also earned over $30,000.
Manitoba-bred Bettermakethattwo wins the 35th running of the Frank Arnason Memorial Stakes on Tuesday at ASD with Stanley Chadee Jr. in the saddle. (Jason Halstead photo)
In the fabulous bargain department, on Monday, $1,800 Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale purchase Meabear (Kentucky Bear-Takara Cove by Bold Executive) romped by a widening 13 lengths in the 15th running of the $35,000 Hazel Wright Sire Stakes. Trained by Fred Rawson, owned by Dunworken Stable and ridden by Prayven Badrie, Meabear was bred by Kelly Halliday. The good-looking bay 3-year-old filly has now earned over $30,000! Nice return on investment!
Manitoba-bred Meabear romps in the 15th running of the Hazel Wright Sire Stakes on Monday at ASD with Prayven Badrie up. (Jason Halstead photo)
On Wednesday night trainer Murray Duncan was doing more of what he always does, winning stakes with his sharp Oaklawn Park claims. Duncan saddled former $30,000 claimer Burrow Down (Connect-True Endeavor by After Market) to win her second local stakes in a row in the 29th running of the $35,000 Jack Hardy Stakes, and it wasn’t close. Ridden by Stanley Chadee Jr. the big bay Kentucky-bred filly bided her time to the final turn in the 7 ½-furlong race and drew off to win by 12 ½-lengths.

Congratulations to all the big winners!
Burrow Down (#5) and jockey Stanley Chadee Jr. on their their way to victory in the 29th running of the Jack Hardy Stakes on Wednesday evening at ASD. (Jason Halstead photo)
Manitoba Jockey Club Announces the Appointment of
Two New Board Members
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada, July 5, 2022 - The non-profit Manitoba Jockey Club Inc., operators of Assiniboia Downs, announced today the addition of two new members to the board of directors, returning the total to the historical average of seven.

Norva Riddell, Senior Vice President, Partnerships & Premium Services with True North Sports & Entertainment is joined by Darrell Stephansson, owner of a wealth management & insurance firm, Primerica Financial Services.

“On behalf of our board, I am so pleased to welcome Norva and Darrell who will provide strategic oversight in business development and growth strategies, while enhancing our community outreach” said interim board chair, Jeff Goy.

Riddell has been with TNSE since 2004 and provides leadership in the areas of corporate partnerships and premium sales and services. She was a YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction nominee in 2017 and currently serves as a board member of the True North Youth Foundation.

Stephansson recently concluded a term of five years in a regulatory role for the province as a member of the Manitoba Horse Racing Commission. Before embarking on his 28-year private business career, he worked for Assiniboia Downs in various senior racing related roles from 1977 – 1994 and was also a past board member of the Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association.

“To add two lifelong Manitobans, with their strong and varied business experience, who are so committed to this community, adds tremendous strength to our board team” said Darren Dunn, CEO of the Manitoba Jockey Club.
 
The Manitoba Jockey Club was incorporated in 1993 with a mandate to protect and promote live thoroughbred horse racing in Manitoba. Assiniboia Downs, open year-round for racing, VLT gaming and facility rentals, annually runs live horse racing from May-September. 2022 features season 65 of thoroughbred racing at the west Winnipeg oval.

For more information contact:
Darren Dunn
Chief Executive Officer
Assiniboia Downs
A Snapshot in Time
By Track Historian Bob Gates
On July 7, 1972, 17-year-old Joan Phipps rode Thistle Dawn to victory in the first race. It was her first win on a recognized racetrack. Joan would ride in three complete seasons at the Downs. In 1973 she rode 39 winners and finished fourth in the jockey standings. In 1975 she had 34 wins and finished fifth and in 1977 she had 59 victories and ranked ninth. 1977 would be the Saskatoon Sweetheart’s final year riding at the Downs. (Gerry Hart photo).
CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE TRACK TO WAGER?
Watch and wager at one of our partner locations:

  • Canad Inns Windsor Park - 1034 Elizabeth Road
  • Green Brier Inn - 1611 Main Street
  • Rookies at Central Hotel - 201 Melrose Avenue East
  • Quest Inn - 367 Ellice Avenue
  • McPhillips Station Casino - 484 McPhillips Street
  • Club Regent Casino - 1425 Regent Ave W
  • Nor-Villa Motor Hotel - 1763 Henderson Hwy
  • Wager 24/7 at HPIbet.com

OPENING SOON!
  • Club 3D - 3317 Portage Avenue
Photo of the Week
Canada Day 2022 at Assiniboia Downs was a fabulous success thanks to all of YOU! And the fireworks by CanFire Pyrotechnics were spectacular! See all the photos on our Facebook page here. (Manley Chan photo)
Do you have an interesting photo you would like showcased in an upcoming newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
In The News
Plenty of movement with hopefuls for the Plate and Oaks in the past week
Marine Stakes runner-up Duke of Love as a yearling. His fabulous pedigree says he should love the distance of the Queen's Plate. (MyRacehorse.com photo)
Rondure’s roll in the Grade 3 Marine Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on July 2 moved the Oxbow colt all the way up to top spot on Canadian Thoroughbred‘s Top 15 Queen’s Plate horses. Meanwhile on the Oaks front, American-based Ontario-bred Interstatedaydream, who won the Black Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Pimlico, has been entered in the July 9 Indiana Oaks at Indianapolis Downs, which suggests she will be passing up a trip to Woodbine. More from Jennifer Morrison at the Canadian Thoroughbred here.
NEW: Betting on America: The Immigrant Experience & Jim Raftery: A Turfotos Retrospective
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs. (Skip Dickstein photo)
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will open two new exhibitions to the public on July 14, coinciding with opening day of the Saratoga Race Course summer meeting. Betting on America: The Immigrant Experience and the Hall of Fame will debut in the McBean Gallery, while Jim Raftery: A Turfotos Retrospective (from the collection of Barbara D. Livingston) opens in the von Stade Gallery. More from the Blood Horse here.
Carryover Watch
  • Assiniboia Downs (July 11) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover - $295,541
  • Parx (July 9) - Jackpot Pick 5 carryover - $67,828
  • Pleasanton (July 9) - Jackpot Pick 6 carryover $66,504
  • See all carryovers here.

NEW ASD PICK 4 GUARANTEE: The ASD Pick 4 pool with be guaranteed at $50,000 starting Monday, July 11.

MANDATORY PAYOUTS ON BELMONT CLOSING DAY: Belmont's closing day is Sunday, July 10. All carryover pools will be paid out. First race post time 11:30 a.m.
Bob's Blog
by ASD Historian Bob Gates

It’s not that the story of the Downs CEO is tough to tell, says Bob, but rather the challenge centers on the fact that there’s just so much to tell. From those early days on the backside to the ongoing struggle that horse racing faces in these sometimes-turbulent times. Click here to learn just a little bit more about the “corner office” man who calls the shots at the Downs.  
Upcoming events at ASD

  • Live Racing every Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Gulping Horse Ultimate Beverage Festival - Saturday, July 16 - Please note that this event has been postponed.
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, July 24 - more info
  • Mantioba Derby Night - Monday, August 1 - Post time: 7:30 p.m. Featuring the $100,000 Manitoba Derby presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
  • Holi Summer Fest - Saturday, August 6 - more info
  • Manitoba Night Market & Festival - Sunday, August 28 - more info
Feedback
We would love to hear from you! Email your comments and/or suggestions to [email protected].
The Inside Track Archives
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