Mandatory payouts on Jackpot bets continue to fuel interest in Winnipeg Thoroughbred racing, attracting attention North America-wide.
Assiniboia Downs
Stakes action in western Canada has been heating up and Hastings Racecourse changes its racing dates mid-meet in search of more wagering.
Melisandre, a full sister to 2019 champion Hidden Grace, and Freezing Jimmy both capture stakes races this week at Assiniboia in Winnipeg.
Preakness Stakes (G1) is next for 3-year-old coming off maiden win at Los Alamitos for his breeder Mongolian Stable and partner Stronach.
Gold Buyer wins the Manitoba Mile and business continues to boom at the Winnipeg track which nears it biggest day of the season, the Manitoba Derby.
Dazzling Gold won the July 14 R.C. Anderson Stakes and is headed to the Manitoba Oaks while Real Grace won the Derby Trial July 13
Jockey Antonio Whitehall has certainly made a statement in Winnipeg, winning at 29% of his races at Assiniboia, 36 wins from 126 mounts.
Thanks to a mandatory payout for the Pick 5 Jackpot, fans worldwide converged on Assiniboia Downs races Monday night and the track smashed a record.
Red-hot Miss Imperial extends streak since arriving in Winnipeg while Hidden Grace, 9 for 9 last year, suffers first defeat.
Filly was previously trained by US trainers such as Jason Servis, Joe Sharp and Brad Cox; now she is a favourite in Manitoba.
Winnipeg track receives a small percentage of lofty wagering totals as betting is done through Woodbine's HorsePlayer Interactive.
Assiniboia's CEO Darren Dunn understandably pleased that racing has started, although there is still plenty of missing revenue.
Horse racing-starved Canadians bet six races at Winnipeg track with enthusiasm, boosting the total wagering 340% from opening day a year ago.
Canadian horse racing returns Monday night May 25 in Winnipeg and it will be racing like we have never seen before - no spectators.
Assiniboia Downs is ready to go for racing start-up on May 25 with spectator-less racing and a litany of safety rules in place.
