May 12th will mark the opening of the horse racing season at Assiniboia Downs, and in Episode 20 we speak with a perennial front-runner in the win column, jockey Antonio Whitehall! Part 1 has an overview of the kick-off luncheon, the notable attendees, and the remarks of the CEO of ASD, Darren Dunn. With the 69th season of live racing scheduled to open on Tuesday evening with the Don Gray Memorial, the new season is building on record-setting wagering and the best attendance in a decade in 2025, with both the excitement of the races and promotions like Family Fun Night drawing enthusiastic crowds of all ages. A key aspect of the evolution of the track has been scheduling race nights to Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with six Mondays also on tap this year. That move eliminated the problem of competing for attendance with other sports and community events and “lake life” on the weekends, and ASD has grown their customer base substantially. Owned by the non-profit Manitoba Jockey Club since 1993, the importance of ASD to Manitoba’s economic sector includes, on the agriculture side, support for the stables with breeding and training, grooms and exercise riders, feed and equipment. In terms of staging the races and events, the facility employs hundreds of people as service personnel, chefs, cooks, security and at the betting windows. ASD also provides substantial support to local charities and causes. The revitalization of the facility has been achieved through a joint partnership with Peguis First Nation, and CEO Darren Dunn says it all reflects on how the Downs “is part of the cultural fabric of the community since 1958- and we’re very proud of that.” Their pride is also reflected in the race results as over the past 17 years, “thirteen of the annual leading trainers have been of indigenous heritage.” 9.58 Part 2- Antonio Whitehall is an engaging and personable athlete who truly loves his work and the fans of the King of Sports. Since arriving at ASD in 2016 from Barbados, he has become a dominant rider with three titles as top jockey and is in demand at other tracks. He’s been in the money (top three spots) with over 50% of his mounts and has earned $5.6 million for the horse owners. Whitehall cites his relationship with the trainers as an important factor in his success. “We get along pretty good because I’m a hard worker. I go out there every morning and work out the horse and give them honest feedback. They trust me with their horses and I’m grateful and thankful for the opportunity. It’s like I was meant to be here.” He talks with Marty Gold about his background in Barbados, his accomplishments and "dream year" in 2020, and the great owners, trainers, stablehands and staff who come together to make ASD a model venue for the athletes, owners and fans. “They come here, they feel safe here, it’s friendly, free admission… it’s a beautiful place to come out in the evening, enjoy your time, place a few bets, watch the horses go around. It’s a beautiful place to be, the atmosphere, the staff are phenomenal.” Whitehall enjoys meeting with the fans, mentioning giving kids goggles and posing for photos. “I do it for the game, for the love of the sport- and for the love of Assiniboia Downs.” The conversation takes a turn as the subject of this year's Kentucky Derby and the tremendous run down the stretch by the winning horse, Golden Tempo, is discussed. Among the highlights of the season will be the 50th running of the Golden Boy Stakes and the marquee event, the 2026 Manitoba Derby on Monday, August 3rd. With the on-site food and games, the spectacle of competition, and the potential of picking a winning ticket, there’s never been a better time to Do the Downs than this year. For more on ASD, here is today's column by Scott Taylor in the Winnipeg Sun. ***** To support our reporting of public affairs and about the community, email martygoldlive@gmail.com
