Assiniboia Downs: Western Warrior wins Manitoba Derby; record handle of $4.9 million

Western Warrior won the 78th running of the $126,000 Manitoba Derby on Monday, during which an all-time record handle of $4.9 million was set for Assiniboia Downs on a seven-race card.

Ridden by Dane Nelson, Western Warrior saved ground throughout while not far off a three-way pace battle in the nine-furlong event for 3-year-olds. He made his way to the lead in the stretch to duel with 27-1 bomb Quarry and prevailed by a nose, in a time of 1:54.02.

Gethsemane was along for third, and Direct Strike checked in fourth. Completing the order of finish was Really Ralis, Elston Gunn, Complete Overhaul, Prime Suspect, and favored Forty Twenty, who was pulled up while lame at the head of the stretch.

Trained by Dino Condilenios, Western Warrior returned $18.10. The Kentucky-bred son of Essential Quality banked $76,500 for owners Gordon Christoff and Lance Giesbrecht.

There was a mandatory payout on the ASD Jackpot Pick 5. With a carryover of $476,656, the wager attracted more than $2.58 million in new money. The payout was $10,400 for 20 cents.

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