Assiniboia Downs will raise the United Nations Flag to kick off the season

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

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The ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. in the winner's circle at Assiniboia Downs. Remarks will be given by T1N leadership with Darren Dunn, CEO of Assiniboia Downs, with an opening prayer by James Sinclair, representative of the T1N Board of Trustees for the Peguis First Nation.

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The ceremony is the culmination of a multi-year partnership agreement between the Peguis First Nation and the Manitoba Jockey Club, which saw majority land ownership of the racetrack grounds transferred to the Peguis First Nation.

For the first time in Manitoba history, the Indian Horse Relay will be included in the celebration of the start of the thoroughbred racing season.

The Manito Ahbee Festival and the Elite Indian Racing Association will join Assiniboia Downs for the start of the racing season live and on television around the world. The Manito Ahbee Festival is the first local organization to produce an ASD pre-race show and entertainment. Pow-woo, hoop and horse dancers introduce each competition, taking another step toward reconciliation and opening up a platform for indigenous cultural demonstrations to audiences from around the world.

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“We are very excited to be a part of the start of the horse racing season at Assiniboia Downs. It is truly an honor to bring the Indian Horse Relay to the Manito Ahbee Festival and we couldn't have done it without our partnership with Darren and his team at Down,” said Lisa Miches, Executive Director of the Manito Ahbee Festival. “In keeping with the sanctuary we call it, this event aims to showcase Indigenous culture to a wider audience while promoting understanding and appreciation. We can't wait to share the importance of the horse spirit and the best of Indigenous entertainment with Manitobans and the world at this historic and exciting ceremony.”

The Indian Horse Relay is held between regular races. Indian horse relay is a unique and exciting sport that reflects the athletic, equestrian and cultural traditions of indigenous peoples. Due to its historical roots and adrenaline-inducing nature, it is often referred to as “the original local extreme sport”. Teams of skilled riders and horses compete for cash prizes and valuable prizes in an intense competition.

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“Combining our opening night Thoroughbred racing program with the Indian Horse Relay shows a real example of reconciliation,” Dunn said. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” This program shows concrete actions and we are confident that they will have positive results both now and in the years to come. We truly value our relationship with the Manito Ahbi Festival and look forward to continuing these important and necessary reconciliation efforts in the future.”

The first night of the 50-day Live Thoroughracing season begins Monday at 7:35 p.m., with six races on the card.

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

For the second year running, the $550,000 Western Canadian Triple Crown opens Aug. 5 with the $125,000 Manitoba Derby.

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