Assiniboia Downs closes 50-day meet with $55.3 million in total handle

Assiniboia Downs wrapped up its 2022 meet on Wednesday night with the second-highest handle in the Manitoba track's history. There was $55,326,730 bet during the 50-day meet.

The final card attracted $2,448,634 in wagering. The highlight was a mandatory payout of the ASD Jackpot Pick 5 pool, which started with a $535,091 carryover. The total pool reached more than $2 million and returned $1,434 for $1.

Jerry Gourneau, who hails from Belcourt, N.D., was the leading trainer for the fourth time in the past five years. Veteran jockey Jorge Carreno of Cocula, Mexico, was the leading rider for the second year in a row.

"To conclude this season with the positive results we achieved is a true testament to the team we have out here working for us, and the will and determination of the horsepeople involved at all levels,” Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn said.

"It seemed challenge followed us throughout 2022. We lost our board chair, Harvey Warner, unexpectedly during spring training, and then saw a long winter and late wet spring force our hand to adjust the racing calendar. Add a lightning storm and a track lighting outage that caused further canceled races that had to be made up, and it was a live race meet that will not soon be forgotten."

The schedule for the 2023 meet has been set and opening day will be Monday, May 22.

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