History and Development of Assiniboia Downs
Assiniboia Downs, a notable Canadian horse race track, occupies 150 hectares (360 acres) in the Winnipeg suburb of St. James-Assiniboia. Operated by the Manitoba Jockey Club, it is renowned for hosting the annual Manitoba Derby. Located on the western fringe of Winnipeg, near the intersection of the Perimeter Highway and Portage Avenue, the track officially opened its gates on June 10, 1958, replacing the Polo Park Racetrack, which was demolished to pave the way for the Polo Park Shopping Centre.
The inception of Assiniboia Downs began in September 1957 with a substantial $4 million project aimed at creating a new horse racing venue with a seating capacity for 5,000 spectators. The track, designed to be 80 feet wide, included 6-furlong and 1+1⁄8 furlong chutes. Remarkably, construction was completed in just seven weeks, in time for the 1958 season, which featured 42 races. The facility boasted a state-of-the-art "tote" machine that displayed real-time betting information, a cutting-edge technology at the time.
Evolution and Technological Advancements
Thoroughbred racing at Assiniboia Downs takes place from May to September, while harness racing events are held during the winter months. In December 1987, Videon Cable-TV and Westman Cable's application to broadcast live races from Assiniboia Downs was approved, leading to the commencement of off-track betting via telephone in January 1988. Initially, twenty phone lines were installed to manage incoming bets, which were frequently at full capacity. Today, the Assiniboia Downs Racing Network is available on MTS TV channels 179 and 180 and online via the HPIbet website.
The 2024 racing season at Assiniboia Downs features live racing on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the meeting, with additional events on Wednesdays for most of the season. Daily overnight purses average $110,000, and the stakes schedule amounts to $1,439,000. The highlight of the season is the Manitoba Derby, offering a $125,000 purse. The 2023 season witnessed the second-highest handle in the track’s history, with a 9.87% increase in average wagering per race compared to 2022.
Technological advancements have continually transformed Assiniboia Downs. Modern innovations include GPS tracking for horses and an artificial intelligence-powered app, Dark Horse, which aids in selecting horses for betting. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations, with live races being conducted without spectators. Despite these challenges, races at Assiniboia Downs are now broadcast across North America, Europe, and Australia, maintaining the track's prominence in the racing world.
Celebrations and Future Prospects
The history of horse racing in Manitoba extends well beyond Assiniboia Downs. Formal horse racing began in 1922 when Robert J. Speers opened River Park, the province’s first racetrack. Speers later established Whittier Park in St. Boniface and a new racetrack at the present Polo Park Shopping Centre site. Racing at Whittier Park ceased during World War II, and Polo Park continued to operate until the mid-1950s. Following Speers' death in 1955, Jack Hardy acquired land west of Winnipeg, leading to the construction of Assiniboia Downs, which officially opened on June 10, 1958.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, horse racing was the primary gambling activity in Manitoba. The sport reached its zenith with iconic horses like Secretariat and local favourites such as Prime Time TV and Kalfaari. In 1970, the Royal Family attended the Manitoba Derby as part of Manitoba’s centennial celebrations, highlighting the event's significance. The Downs also hosted memorable concerts in the late 1970s and 1980s, featuring artists like Alan Jackson and The Eagles.
Assiniboia Downs is currently preparing for the much-anticipated Manitoba Derby on August 5, featuring a 1 1/8 mile race with a $125,000 purse. The excitement for this event is further fuelled by the growing Jackpot Pick 5, which stands at $397,467. If no winner emerges before the Derby, the entire jackpot will roll over to the Derby Card in a mandatory payout event. Additional races include the $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile and the $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes, along with family-friendly activities.
The Downs recently managed a single case of an equine virus, resulting in a temporary quarantine and adjustments to the racing schedule. The quarantine is expected to lift by August 2, ensuring the safety and well-being of the horses. Racing continues on Mondays and Tuesdays until August 13, with Wednesday programs resuming on August 14. For further details and updates, visit ASDowns.com.
In essence, Assiniboia Downs has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of Canadian horse racing. Its rich history, technological advancements, and ongoing commitment to providing a premier racing experience continue to captivate audiences, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.