The Assiniboia Downs' 74th running of the Manitoba Derby set fresh records this year. Total wagering for the race was $374,166 and the total for the day was $3,523,260, the highest ever for both.
The Derby was won by Red Knobs in a duel with Great Escape right to the finish. Jorge Carreno is credited with a fantastic ride, positioning the winner with an ideal trip. Red Knobs came up from Churchill Downs with some earlier races in Keeneland and Gulfstream Park. Trained by Robertino Diodoro, the Canadian conditioner set two Manitoba Derby records by posting the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the race and also by scoring his fourth Derby victory – the most by any trainer in the 74 year history of the race.
The program was buoyed by the mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5. The carryover was $515k coming into the event and there was $1.65 million in additional money wagered in the pool during the program. The payout for the Pick 5 was $1,920.50 for a 20-cent wager.
“This is my favorite program of the year,” exclaimed CEO Darren Dunn. “We knew this race was going to be competitive and what a battle to the finish! Fans really responded, setting new records for wagering on the day. We are so thankful to the horse people and staff for putting on a fantastic event and for the horseplayers for all their support. We couldn't be happier!”
The $100,000 guaranteed Pick 4 generated over $204,000 in wagering, an all time high for the track. The Jackpot Hi-5 was not won by a single winner and now has a carryover of $54,591 going into the Tuesday program.
Assiniboia Downs racing continues Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights with first post at 7:30 pm (Central Time). The full schedule can be found at ASDowns.com.
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