Admission and parking to the Assiniboia Downs racetrack is free, if you are interested in getting more information on the races, you can purchase a Live Racing Program for $2.25 from one of the many betting booths. The program spells it all out for first-timers, with an introductory "How To Read The Program" section, followed by "How To Place A Bet" which you can also read more about here.
TYPES OF BETS
Betting on a horse to win, means you are betting it will come in first
Betting on a horse to place means you are betting it will come in first or second
Betting on a horse to show means you are betting it will come in first, second or third
Betting on the exacta or perfecta means you are betting on the first two horses to win in the correct order of finish
Betting on the quinella or quiniela means you are betting on two horses to come in first and second, but those two horses don't have to finish in any particular order
Betting on the daily double is betting on the winners of two races. You must be correct in both races to win the bet.
On the second floor, the VLT room is a dark space cove of colourful machines where edgy patrons reserve surrounding seats to maximize their jackpot chances. Noni found herself unimpressed by her VLT experience, "It's just like watching your money slip away" she said. Stylistically, the VLT cavern was quite bland considering Assiniboia Downs' 52-year history, the walls are painted beige, which allows projected illuminations of oscillating fruit to provide the decoration. In the back corner stood a stoic remnant of the early days, an old-fashioned cigarette dispenser, selling du Maurier smokes for the new-fashioned price of $14 a pack. The good news about this dimly-lit den is that it provides unlimited free coffee.
ASSINIBOIA DOWNS PROMOTIONS:
PHOTO RADAR RELIEF: Bring your unpaid photo radar ticket down to the track on the last Saturday of each month, they'll draw one, and pay for it, up to $250. I would like to propose a slogan: "The racetrack always has your back"
MANITOBA DERBY DAY HAT CONTEST: This year it was August 2, but for any creative hat makers, this is an excellent opportunity to begin working on a hat for next year, as there is a $100 prize for best hat in the following categories:
*Best Racing Theme
*Most Glamourous
*Funniest/Most Outrageous
TRACK REPORT
Hopes were high and many bets were down for Grand Vision (#3) to win the third race, but on their way to the starting gate, Grand Vision threw off his jockey and made a breakaway run in the opposite direction down the track. The race was delayed as jockeys tried to get hold of Grand Vision's reins, and this free-spirited sprint took its toll on Grand Vision's performance, who started out last in the race, and although he was able to pull up fourth, ultimately lost to Kommando Kate.
Before a race, horses are led for a few laps around the paddock, so that racetrack enthusiasts may have the voyeuristic privilege of observing the horse "backstage" if you will... to see if they can get a feel for a winner. Owen relayed advice his Mum had given him, that if a horse looks you in the eyes and holds eye contact with you, that's the one. Horses are also identified at this point by their lip tattoo to ensure accuracy of the horses racing. You see, this is an interspecies trend!
HORSE NAMES
Pearly Shirley
Endless Winter
War On Terror
Ancient Symbol
Regal Forest
At the end of the races, almost all of us had bet at least once, almost everyone had won a race, but the majority of us lost money. The big wins for the night were Patrick, who bet $5 on Playin' Jane and won $14.50, as well as $6 on Ancient Symbol and won $23.50. Luke bet $2 on Canela Twist to place odds and won $20.40.
Further research into horse racing reveals that this "sport" can be detrimental to both horse and jockey, not to mention the many gamblers who lose great sums at the track. So what is the point or benefit of going to the racetrack? Well, as always, it was a Learning experience.
And much was learned by all.
xxTHE LLA
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