Assiniboia Downs ended its 52nd season of live racing Sunday with the most exciting jockey race in its history and with increased wagering that bucked industry-wide trends.
Vicky Baze emerged as the leading jockey, the first time a woman has won the title at the Downs and racing history was almost made when another women jockey, Janine Stianson missed finishing second by only one win. Two female riders have never finished one two at any race track.
On the wagering side, on-track wagering went up by 6% compared on a race-to-race basis with last year. And, combined with bets from fans in other parts of North America, wagering declined slightly by .04 per cent. The total amount wagered was $8.9 million.
“It’s obvious that local patrons like our Wednesday, Friday, Saturday schedule that was implemented last year,” said Darren Dunn, director of operations and track announcer. Those who enjoy afternoon racing were able to do so, too, on holidays and on select Sundays.
Many other race tracks are not even reporting their on-track handle because it has been in freefall. Overall, there was a 7.8 per cent decline in wagering in the U.S. over the past year.
The reasons Assinbioia Downs is bucking industry trends? “Highly competitive racing thanks to good quality horses and a trainer and jockey colony with exceptional depth,” said Dunn. At one point during the season, there were 15 races in a row won by horses with different trainers. This is rare in the racing world.
“Innovative promotions have been a big part, too,” Dunn said. That has included various contests, money-machine madness and freeroll poker after live racing, leading to a trip to the World Series of Poker. A big event will happen this Wednesday when Downs patrons are treated to the world premiere of the Secretariat movie followed by a reception. The Downs also appears to be the only race track anywhere that emails a weekly “racing and fun stuff” column called The Insider to thousands of its fans.
Three jockeys were locked in a furious battle right down to the wire: Vicky Baze, 45., Janine Stianson, 27, and last year’s leading rider, Larren Delorme, 25.
Going into Sunday afternoon’s final card, Baze had 69 wins, Stianson 67 and Delorme 66. When the dust had cleared Vicky had increased her lead to 71, Delorme charged into second with 68 and Stianson remained at 67.
Baze, had previously won four riding titles in Washington state. Delorme made a predictable last minute rush, getting two wins Sunday. However, he could not recover from the ground he had lost in the standings when he had been suspended for six days.
The end of live racing only means a change in emphasis at the track. Now “second season sizzle” goes into high gear. The track will focus on big racing events including what is considered the most important race in the world, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, from France on Sunday. Later this fall, the 150th Melbourne Cup from Australia will be featured followed by $25 million in Breeders’ Cup Championship races from Churchill Downs on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6.
Race fans will have a chance to attend workshops to help them become more skilled in betting, as well, giving them a chance to scoop million-dollar pools from such tracks as Hollywood and Santa Anita.
Bonuses will be offered in the casino-style VLT lounge and Thursdays are all-you-can-eat prime rib nights featuring certified Angus beef. The festive season is big, as well, with many groups booking their holiday parties at the Downs.
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