Assiniboia Downs to raise Treaty One Nations Flag on horse racing season kickoff

Article content

Assiniboia Downs will raise the Treaty One Nations (T1N) Flag on the racetrack grounds as part of opening day ceremonies for the 67th racing season on Victoria Day Monday.

Article content

A ceremony will be held at 5 p.m., at the Assiniboia Downs Winner’s Circle. Remarks will be provided by T1N leadership alongside Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn, with an opening prayer by James Sinclair, T1N Knowledge Keepers Council representative for Peguis First Nation.

Article content

The ceremony is a culmination which has been years in the making through a joint venture partnership agreement between Peguis First Nation and the Manitoba Jockey Club which saw the subdivision transfer of majority landownership of the racetrack grounds to Peguis First Nation.

For the first time in Manitoba history, Indian Horse Relay Racing will join the thoroughbred racing season kickoff festivities.

The Manito Ahbee Festival and Elite Indian Racing Association will join Assiniboia Downs in the live – and televised around the globe – start of the racing season. The Manito Ahbee Festival is the first Indigenous organization to produce the ASD pre-racing show and entertainment. Powwow, hoop, and horse dancers will introduce every race, opening a platform for Indigenous cultural demonstrations for viewers from all across the globe in another step towards reconciliation.

Article content

Article content

“We are so excited to be part of the start of the horse racing season at Assiniboia Downs. It is really an incredible honour to bring Indian Horse Relay to the Manito Ahbee Festival, and we couldn’t have done that without the partnership with Darren and his team at the Downs,” said Lisa Meeches, Manito Ahbee Festival Executive Director. “True to the sacred site for which we are named, this event aims to showcase Indigenous culture to a wider audience while promoting understanding and appreciation. We can’t wait to share the significance of the horse spirit and the best of Indigenous entertainment with Manitobans and with the world in this historic and exciting ceremony.”

Indian Horse Relay Racing events will be held between the regular races. Indian Horse Relay is a unique and thrilling sport that showcases the athleticism, horsemanship, and cultural traditions of Indigenous communities. It is often referred to as the “original Indigenous extreme sport” because of its historical roots and adrenaline-inducing nature. In this fast-paced competition, teams consisting of skilled riders and horses compete for cash rewards and valuable prizes.

Article content

“The integration of our opening night live thoroughbred racing program with Indian Horse Relay Racing showcases a tangible example of reconciliation,” said Dunn. “As the saying goes ‘actions speak louder than words’. This program reflects actual actions, and we are certain they will create positive results now and for years to come. We truly value our relationship with the Manito Ahbee Festival and look forward to continuing these important and necessary reconciliation efforts into the future.”

The first night of the 50-date Live Thoroughbred Racing Season will go to post beginning at 7:35 p.m. Monday with six races on the card.

The first two weeks of the meet will feature live racing on Monday and Tuesday, after which Assiniboia Downs will resume its regular Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday schedule with the same start time throughout the season.

For the second year, the $550,000 Western Canadian Triple Crown will open on Aug. 5, with the $125,000 Manitoba Derby.

Check out our sports section for the latest news and analysis. Care for a wager? Head to our sports betting section for news and odds.

Article content