It appears as if Winnipeg’s ASSINIBOIA DOWNS will be the first Canadian track to open its doors for racing following the devastating arrival of the COVID-19 virus.
Manitoba’s restrictions on non-essential businesses and stay-at-home protocols have loosened and the track got the go-sign to begin racing May 25. In a shrewd move, the track’s CEO Darren Dunn has changed the days of the week when racing will be held. Since no spectators will be allowed for live racing at racetracks any time soon, Dunn switched from a Wednesday, Friday and Saturday schedule of racing to Monday through Wednesday nights to take advantage of a light simulcast schedule of tracks around the world.
From The Insider newsletter, Darren Dunn said, “The schedule we have chosen is clearly and specifically based on running without spectators present. We do not have to take into consideration live race dates that factor in selling out our Terrace Dining Room or attracting the largest onsite attendance possible. As such, we reviewed the current and pending marketplace for racing signals and made our selection based on the intent to minimize competition during our live race time period.”
Workouts have been going on at Assiniboia for several weeks and the track has a channel on its website to watch these workouts.
Among the top horses already posting preps in the morning is the champion HIDDEN GRACE, the undefeated Going Commando filly, now 4 years old, who is owned by Cam Ziprick, Barry Arnason and Charles Fouillard.
Global news report on Assininboia’s opening is here.
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