“That’s a lot of mornings at 4 am,” said the veteran trainer, 79, after Sugar Daddy Jack won through disqualification on Sept. 11.
Assiniboia Downs
A filly by Speculating brought a bid of $33,000; CTHS Manitoba sale sees an increase in average price, but only 11 yearlings sold.
The 76th running of the $125,000 highlight event at Assiniboia Downs saw the highest Derby night handle in the track’s history.
Assiniboia Downs set for 76th Derby after a trying first half of 2024; invaders will be tough in the 1 1/8 mile race.
The growing Jackpot Pick 5 will roll over to a mandatory payout on the Aug. 5 Derby card, which will also feature a $100,000 guar. Pick 4 pool.
Owner Jordan Froelich, who has purchased plenty of horses to bring to Hastings to race, had a big day on July 20.
A quarantine in the barns due to the EIA virus allows horses to continue to race, but no ship-ins, straining the horse supply.
The Western Canadian Derby Series has been revised; $100,000 Sweep bonus removed but $25,000 owner/trainer bonus remains.
For the second time in a year, Gourneau has had horses test positive for a overage of a legal corticosteroid.
The 2024 season got off to a stellar start, with total wagering reaching $1.36 million and a huge $13,400 payout in the Jackpot Pick 5.
ASD has also announced it will be setting a new standard in North American racing by eliminating the run-up for all races at all distances.
Horses will now be clocked as soon as they leave the starting gate, as opposed to having about 25 feet to run before the clock starts.
Doug and Judy Mustard have an exciting three-horse stable for the 2024 season at Assiniboia Downs, which begins in a week.
The series at Assiniboia Downs, Century Mile, and Hastings has some additional incentives this year, including $25,000 in bonuses.
Mystik Dan's sire Goldencents is from four generations of Canadian-bred mares including two from the late breeder Phil Kives.
