For the first time in many years on a “non-Manitoba Derby day”, the total wagering at Assiniboia Downs has exceeded $200,000.
On the fourth night of Wednesday live racing on June 10th, the total wagering was $219,107. This exceeds the previous Wednesday’s $168,000 and the first Wednesday’s $182,000.
This was the result of selling the Assiniboia Downs satellite signal into a broad range of markets. From Woodbine racetrack in Toronto to Hastings Park in Vancouver to United States destinations such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas, California and more.
The only time that total wagering had gone over the $200,000 mark in recent years has been on Manitoba Derby Day. Last year, it was $336,000.
“This was the reason we changed our schedule from Sunday racing to Wednesday racing,” said director of operations and track announcer Darren Dunn. “When Tuesday racing is added in two weeks (June 23), we expect to see similar results. We’re racing on days when few other tracks are available for players throughout the continent to bet on.”
By contrast, Sunday total wagering a year ago was $97,416.
The night of racing was highlighted by the LaVerendrye Stakes featuring Miss Missile, winner of four stakes in 2008 – the Chantilly, Canada Day, Assiniboia Oaks, and Jack Hardy, and west coast invader Perservata.
Miss Missile, the overwhelming betting favourite, took the lead in mid-turn from Cherokee Beauty, however, could not hold off the fast charge down the stretch of Perservata and finished third. Perservata, trained by Clint Willson, came into the LaVerendrye the winner of all three of her races at ASD including an easy win against older males in her last start.
Alacazar, trained by Carl Anderson, moved along side Miss Missile in deep stretch but was no match for the winner Perservata and got up for second.
More from Canadian Thoroughbred:
