May 17 2024- Assiniboia Downs Saddles Up For New Season

The Great Canadian Talk Show

The ‘Sport of Kings’ has been thrilling fans of thoroughbred racing at ⁠Winnipeg’s Assiniboia Downs ⁠since 1958.

TGCTS returns to covering the world of sports with this special interview.

Last year ASD set a betting record, but there's a lot more happening at the west Portage Avenue destination than just 'playing the horses'. It's an important part of our history and social fabric and brings the community together with exciting events like Indian bareback horse racing, the Manitoba Night Market, musical acts, the circus and the best buffet in town!

5:50 Part 2- With the 67th season going to the post on Monday, Marty Gold spoke with Darren Dunn, CEO of the track.

They talk about the history of the local sport and the legendary sportsmen who led the way, ASD's enormous impact on the local economy with their partners - using the hashtag #DoTheDowns to drive online engagement.

You'll hear how the facility rebuilt the business model to fit into the entertainment habits of Manitobans and customers worldwide after the pandemic "shut off our revenues like a light switch within 48 hours."

Racing has shifted to a Monday to Wednesday schedule and now all sorts of shows and gatherings- including weddings - are taking place there the rest of the week.

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11.53- By the numbers, it's an amazing success story.

Dunn describes ⁠the Downs supporting the agriculture industry⁠ with quality full time jobs and sustaining a tradition of sports excellence, with dedicated owners, expert trainers, skilled jockeys, and world-class breeders that engineered the Manitoba heritage of⁠ the last 2 Kentucky Derby Winners.⁠

"The skill and talent that resides in our barn area, in our jockey's room, that's on display on our racetrack, can race anywhere."

Dunn is thrilled about the upcoming ⁠Western Canada Derby Series⁠, where the stakes are high and the best from ASD prove they are championship calibre. It kicks off August 5th with the Manitoba Derby.

16.20- To end the podcast, Darren Dunn talks about the late Jim Farrell, deeply involved with ASD for decades both on the microphone and behind the scenes.

As a mentor and a friend, the old-style CKND news anchor brought warmth, good humour and a true love of the sport to the ASD community.

This summer- on Mondays kids get in free for Family Night and they'll light up in wonder at the spectacle, sounds and sights.

For the grown-ups- "Pick a name, pick a number, throw a couple of dollars down" and be part of the action at Assiniboia Downs !

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