Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has set its live racing dates and stakes schedule for 2024. The racing season spans 50 days, starting on Monday, May 20, and concluding on Tuesday, September 17. Initially, races will occur on Monday and Tuesday evenings in May. From June to early September, the schedule is Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It goes back to Monday and Tuesday for the final week from September 9 to 17. Each race begins at 7:30 p.m.
The 2024 season at Assiniboia Downs will feature six overnight stakes and 28 stakes races. Highlights include the $125,000 Manitoba Derby for 3-year-olds on Monday, August 5, and the $50,000 Gold Cup on the closing day, September 17. Other significant races are the $50,000 Manitoba Matron on September 16 and the $50,000 Winnipeg Futurity on September 17. The season also introduces six stakes for 2-year-olds, starting with the $50,000 Debutante on July 23.
This year's overnight stakes are named in honour of Manitoba's racing legends. They include Slinkylady, Bobby Q, Taboga, Coral Prospect, Rangatira, and Nephrite. The season also features eight restricted stakes, each with a purse of $40,000. These include the CTHS Sales Stakes, Buffalo Stakes, Hazel Wright Sire Stakes, R. C. Anderson, Frank Arnason Sire Stakes, J. W. Sifton, Distaff, and the Phil Kives.
Assiniboia Downs continues to offer shipping incentives, ranging from $250 to $1,000, based on the horse's origin. These incentives help. Bonuses for Manitoba-bred horses combine with them. Seven sires based in Manitoba/Saskatchewan are involved. There is also more investment in broodmares. This all signals a promising future for horse racing in the region.