Assiniboia Downs – The sky's the limit in Winnipeg Free Press

The horses won't line up in the gate until Monday night, but the architect of everything that happens at Assiniboia Downs — a list that grows longer every year — is already at work.

Darren Dunn believes this season could be his best yet.

“The sky's the limit for what you're willing to do here,” said the longtime CEO of the Winnipeg racetrack. Free press Friday after lunch to start a new campaign.

While the 50-race match, which starts on Victoria Day, is the main event, there are plenty of other dishes on the menu. From music festivals and night markets to the RCMP Music Walk and Indigenous cultural celebrations, the “little track” is busier than ever.

Dunn laughed as he recalled a time when he would stand in front of the crowd, talk about horses for a few minutes, and then sit down until everyone enjoyed the buffet. Now? Friday included a one-hour presentation to cover everything planned for the coming months.

“Horse racing is our primary mandate and always will be, but our unique schedule takes us away from local racing and frees up some of the best days here,” Dunn said of running on Mondays and Tuesdays in May and September and adding Wednesdays in June. July and August.

“We have flexibility in this facility, we have space, and we have creative team members who are trying to do something special.”

The global pandemic has actually played a major role in ASD reaching its healthiest point in years.

“With our revenue stagnating, like many companies, we've had to get creative,” Dunn said. “We rebuilt the business model from scratch. And this led not only to survival, but also to prosperity. This business model persists to this day and has blue sky opportunities.

“The sky's the limit to what you're willing to do here.”– Darren Dunn

The main concern today is the lack of blue skies due to wildfires. Last year, three race nights had to be postponed.

“I am very concerned about this. This is the new normal,” he said.

ASD has developed new air quality protocols with various regulatory and provincial authorities to determine when air quality is safe.

It's part of a strategy to leave the run only two nights a week at the beginning and end of the season to allow for make-up days. Another point would be the larger fields, which usually rate the stakes.

Speaking of which, betting continues to break records thanks to greater accessibility than ever before. By running earlier in the week, Dunn and company have much less competition in the simulcasts.

“We've grown this audience over the past four years with great success and record-breaking results. Now you can bet on ASD from all over the world,” he said.

“We've grown this audience over the past four years with great success and record-breaking results. Now you can bet on ASD from all over the world.– Darren Dunn

To that extent, ASD partnered with Travel Manitoba this year to air 30-second commercials in each broadcast to showcase what the province has to offer.

“I love horse racing to the tenth degree like no one else knows, but my greatest joy is bringing people from across the border to this province and representing this province,” Dunn said.

It's not just about quantity in ASD, it's about quality. Dunn noted that there are three current and former champion jockeys on board this year, including current title holder Antonio Whitehall of Barbados. Jerry Gourneau, a four-time coach of the year, returns with another key stalwart.

There are also technology upgrades for statistical tracking of horses in races, a new and improved website, and a new 50-50 raffle each race night, with proceeds going to an addiction counseling organization. an organization that finds new homes for industrial and retired horses.

There will also be a “co-cultural ceremony” before the first race on Monday, where the first treaty flag will be raised on the field.

“I still think there's another level where we can get to this place and I'd like to see that happen,” said Dunn, who sees additional capital improvements and increased revenue opportunities.

“I still think this place can go to another level, and I want to see it.”– Darren Dunn

“It still drives me. This old horse still has some kick left in him.''

[email protected]

X: @mikemcintyrewpg