Global Television Visits Assiniboia Downs

View Racing History & Gray Family Features  

On Friday, September 15, Assiniboia Downs was pleased to host Global Television and their evening news staff. Their focused was Assiniboia Downs, the familiar landmark in west Winnipeg that has been a very popular entertainment destination for both thoroughbred race fans and many other activities and community events for more than 48 years. 

News anchor Derrick Oliver, sports director Joe Pascucci along with community reporter Kate Stutsman, news reporter Meera Behadoosingh & weather anchor Jordan Witzer broadcast “live” from Assiniboia Downs and presented two feature stories. 

The first story featured was an overview on some of the many “firsts” introduced to thoroughbred racing by R.J. Speers and subsequently implemented at racetracks all over North America. Mr. Speers, built, owned and operated Whittier Park racetrack which opened on June 24, 1924 and was located in St. Boniface. Speers also owned and operated the forerunner to Assiniboia Downs, the Polo Park racetrack. The Polo Park racetrack opened in 1925 and was located on Portage Avenue at St. James Street , where the Polo Park Shopping Centre now stands. When Polo Park racetrack began operation, the six furlong oval was regarded as one of the finest racetracks in Western Canada .

The Polo Park track closed inn 1956 at theconclusion of that season’s racing, to make way forconstruction of the Polo Park Shopping Centre. Thoroughbred racing in Winnipeg took a two year break until Assiniboia Downs officially opened on June 10, 1958 .  

Global Community Reporter Kate Stutsman’s focused was on veteran trainer Clayton Gray and the three generations of his family who are all involved in thoroughbred racing.  

Global Television story on the history of horse racing in Manitoba by Global reporter Meera Behadoosingh.(Flash Player Required)

Community reporter Kate Stutsman’s Global Television feature on veteran trainer Clayton Gray & the three generations of his family all involved in thoroughbred racing. (Flash Player Required)