Assiniboia Downs has finished the 2021 meet with the second best total handle in the track’s history. The track wagered $36,609,401 over the 51 day meet, which was second only to the wagering recorded in 2020.
The final program of the 2021 season finished with $1,702,946 in wagering. The card included the mandatory payout of the jackpot pools. The Jackpot Pick 5 pool started with a $266,370 carryover and a $1 million guarantee for a single winner. The total pick 5 pool reached over $1,230,000 and returned $15,046 for each $1 share. The Jackpot Hi-5 had a $31,330 carryover and the wagering was $124,161. The results of the final race of the season, for each $1 share, triggered a payoff of $1,043 for those that correctly selected the top five finishers in the exact order.
Trainer Jerry Gourneau, who hails from North Dakota, continued to dominate this year and has won his third training title in the last four years. Veteran jockey Jorge Carreno, of New Mexico, has made his presence known with his first year at the Downs by winning the jockey title wire-to-wire from the start of the season.
“What another incredible year,” exclaimed Darren Dunn, CEO. “We are absolutely thrilled with the results from only our second year of the Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday schedule. The market has responded in spades. We have really enjoyed bringing some weekend excitement to weekday racing!”
The track overcame many challenges again this year with continued COVID restrictions affecting the ability to have spectators on-site as well as travel restrictions for horsepeople. Fortunately, the track was able to welcome fans back part way through the season and some inter-provincial travel restrictions were loosened for horsepeople.
“Even though there were still limits, it was a wonderful thing to have crowds here at the track again,” continued Dunn. “We are so thankful for everyone’s support including all of our partners, horseplayers, staff and the wonderful horsepeople that put on the show. A toast to all of you!”
Assiniboia Downs looks forward now to next year’s meet which is expected to start in May and conclude in September and will again feature a Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday schedule.
More from Jockeys:
