Assiniboia opens 2023 meet with betting incentives
Assiniboia Downs kicks off its 2023 season on Monday with reduced takeout rates and other initiatives, including an important role in the new Western Canadian Triple Crown.
The takeout on win wagering has been reduced to 14.65 percent, one of the lowest in the industry and the lowest in Canada. The takeout on double, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, pick three, and ASD Jackpot Pick 5 wagers have all been reduced by 1 percent, bringing them all to 21.95 percent.
“We’re excited to offer our horseplayers the best possible value when betting on our races,” said Darren Dunn, the CEO of Assiniboia Downs. “Reducing takeouts is just one way we’re saying thank you to our fans and ensuring that they continue to have the best possible experience at our racetrack.”
Assiniboia is also introducing a unique $1 Super Hi-5 with a 100 percent carryover. It will be offered on the fifth and last races of each program.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate and provide our fans with new and exciting betting opportunities,” said Dunn. “The $1 Super Hi-5, with a 100 percent carryover, is just one example of how we’re doing that.”
The Gmax timing system will be used for the first time this year. The GPS technology tracks the horses in real time throughout the race and shows a graphical representation at the bottom of the live video feed.
The track is continuing to enhance its player portal, which is available to all fans at the Assiniboia website. The online portal contains all the information customers need in one place for free, including live video, programs, jockey/trainer stats, bios, and more.
The $125,000 Manitoba Derby on Aug. 7 is the opening leg of the Western Canadian Triple Crown. It will be followed by the Grade 3, $200,000 Canadian Derby at Century Mile on Aug. 26, and the Grade 3, $125,000 British Columbia Derby on Sept. 16 at Hastings.
The Manitoba Derby and British Columbia Derby will be contested over 1 1/8 miles, with the Canadian Derby at 1 1/4 miles. If a horse wins all three races, the owner will receive a $100,000 bonus.
“To link a meaningful financial bonus to the already robust purse offerings should only elevate the participation and competitiveness of the races,” said Dunn. “We are excited to work collaboratively with our western provincial partners who are so energized to put an even brighter spotlight on these historic derby events.”
Last year’s leading rider Jorge Carreno and leading trainer Jerry Gourneau are both returning to defend their titles.
Racing will be conducted on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays with a post time of 7:30 p.m. Central.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.