Sky’s the limit at Assiniboia Downs No limit on what Winnipeg horse track can achieve By: Mike McIntyre Posted: 5:33 PM CDT Friday, May. 17, 2024

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This article was published 17/05/2024 (508 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The horses don’t start lining up in the gate until Monday evening, but the architect of everything that goes on at Assiniboia Downs — and that’s a list that is growing longer every year — is already off and running.

Darren Dunn believes this season has the potential to be the best one yet.

“The sky is the limit on what we’re prepared to do out there,” the longtime CEO of Winnipeg’s horse-racing track told the Free Press Friday following a luncheon to launch the new campaign.

Although the 50-race meet that kicks off on Victoria Day is the main event, there are plenty of other appetizers on the menu. From music festivals and night markets to the RCMP musical ride and Indigenous cultural celebrations, the “little track that could” is busier than ever.

Dunn chuckled as he recalled launches of the past, where he’d get up in front of the crowd, speak for a few moments about the horses and then sit down while everyone enjoyed the buffet. Now? Friday involved an hour-long presentation to cover everything planned over the coming months.

“Horse racing is our primary mandate and always will be, but our unique schedule takes us away from that local competition and frees up prime dates out here,” Dunn said of running Mondays and Tuesdays in May and September, and adding Wednesdays in June, July and August.

“We have the flexibility at this facility, we have the space, and we have the team members who have the creativity to try and make something special.”

The global pandemic actually played a huge role in getting ASD to its healthiest stage in years.

“Through the shutdown of our revenues, like so many businesses we had to be beyond creative,” said Dunn. “We’ve rebuilt our business model from scratch. And it led to not just surviving, but thriving. That business model sticks to this day and continues to have some blue-sky opportunities.”

“The sky is the limit on what we’re prepared to do out there.”–Darren Dunn

The primary area of concern these days is the lack of blue skies due to wildfires. Last year, three race nights had to be postponed.

“I’m greatly concerned about it. It is the new normal,” he said.

ASD, along with the various regulatory and provincial authorities, have established new protocols regarding air quality which will determine when its safe to proceed.

That’s part of the strategy of leaving only running two nights a week at the beginning and end of the season, to allow for makeup dates. Another offshoot will be larger fields, which bettors typically appreciate.

Speaking of which, wagering continues to smash records thanks to greater-than-ever reach. By running early in the week, Dunn and company have much less competition on simulcasts.

“We have grown that audience over the last four years with great strides and record results. Now, you can literally wager on ASD from around the world,” he said.

“We have grown that audience over the last four years with great strides and record results. Now, you can literally wager on ASD from around the world.”–Darren Dunn

To that extent, ASD has partnered with Travel Manitoba this year to run a pair of 30-second commercials on every broadcast to show off what the province has to offer.

“I love horse racing to the ‘enth degree like nobody I know, but my greatest joy comes from bringing people outside of these borders into this province and showcasing this province,” said Dunn.

It’s not just about quantity at ASD, but quality. Dunn notes three current and former champion jockeys are on board this year, including reigning title holder Antonio Whitehall from the Barbados. Jerry Gourneau, who has won four straight trainer-of-the-year titles, is back with another sizable stable.

There are also upgrades in technology when it comes to statistical tracking the horses within races, a new-and-improved website and a new 50-50 draw on every race night, with proceeds going to an organization that offers addictions counselling to those in the industry and an organization that finds new homes for retired horses.

There will also be a “collaborative culture ceremony” prior to Monday’s first race in which a Treaty One flag will be raised in the infield.

“I still think there’s a whole other level this place can get to, and I want to see that,” said Dunn, who cites additional capital improvements and enhanced revenue opportunities.

“I still think there’s a whole other level this place can get to, and I want to see that.”–Darren Dunn

“That still drives me. There’s still some kick in this old horse yet.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg