ASSINIBOIA DOWNS continues to rule Canadian Thoroughbred racetracks and its recently completed 2025 season was its most successful in history. The Winnipeg, Manitoba 6 1/2 furlong track realized total wagering of $75.2 million this year, not only a track record, but it surpassed the previous benchmark of $63.2 million in 2020 by an impressive $12 million. Total wagering increased by 21.16% from the 2024 season, with the average wagering per card hitting $1.5 million.
Assiniboia is likely to be the only Thoroughbred track in Canada to have an increase in wagering in 2025 (Ajax Downs Quarter Horse track in Ontario is currently up over last year).
Contributing to this year’s success was the positive response from horseplayers to the track’s customer-focused initiatives, including the strategic move in recent years to reduce all takeouts below 20%, a practice only a few North American tracks have adopted.
Closing day featured a thrilling mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5. The jackpot had reached over $300,000, and an additional $1.7 million was pumped into the pool on Wednesday, resulting in a pool of over $2 million at post time for the third race. The payout was $260.70 for a $1 winning ticket.
The 2025 season was marked by two young rising stars who are now first-time champions in the jockey and trainer ranks. Damario Bynoe earned his first leading jockey title with 60 wins, 12 more than three-time ASD riding champion Antonio Whitehall, followed by Sven Balroop (36 wins), Prayven Badrie (29), and Rachaad Knights (24).
Steve Keplin Jr. celebrated his first leading training title with 40 victories, eight more than runner-up Mike Nault (32), followed by five-time title holder Jerry Gourneau (30), Wendy Anderson (24) and Jared Brown (23).
Keplin’s victory is particularly significant, as it marks the 11th consecutive year that the Assiniboia Downs leading trainer title has been won by a First Nations trainer. The achievement was recognized during the closing day program by special guest Chief Murray Clearsky of Waywayseecappo First Nation, who presented the trophy to the new champion.
“What a finish this year with record wagering and the remarkable achievements from Damario and Steve Keplin Jr., both earning their first titles,” said Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs. “We are so grateful for our growing fanbase of loyal horseplayers, the horsepeople that are giving it their all every day, and all the staff that helps to bring it all together. Thank you for another outstanding season.”
The racing highlight of the season was the $125,000 Manitoba Derby, which was won by Attack, trained by Craig Robert Smith and ridden by N’Rico Prescod for the ownership team of Smokin Guns Stable, Highfield Investment Group, Inc., Lucky Diamonds Racing, Graham, Jamie and Dialed In Racing Stable.
A massive crowd on Derby evening resulted in record-breaking wagering across the board, with $323,267 being wagered on the Manitoba Derby, and total wagering for the evening topping $3,974,168, setting a new Derby record at Assiniboia Downs and the second-highest handle in the track’s history.
Manitoba-bred Mighty Mikee won the Buffalo Stakes by 17 3/4 lengths for trainer Devon Gittens. The son of Mitole is owned by Larry Falloon, Anne Champion and Mclaren Racing. (Jason Halstead photo)
Local fans were also a major highlight of the season, and attendance on-track for the live racing was larger than ASD has seen in over a decade, highlighted by the fabulous success of Girls Night Out on Wednesdays during the summer. Girls Night Out will be back again next year and opening day is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The Winnipeg Sun also reported that Andy Stronach has purchased farmland in Manitoba to build a breeding operation with a stallion and mares. You can read that report here.
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