Red River Ex wants to take over Assiniboia Downs

The Red River Exhibition wants to take over operation of the Assiniboia Downs racetrack.

Funding for horse racing in Manitoba was on the provincial government’s chopping block, so the Red River Ex put forward a proposal to “make it a successful operation,” exhibition CEO Garth Rogerson said.

“We would make a very significant investment,” Rogerson said Wednesday morning.

The Ex is proposing renovating the clubhouse and restaurants to attract concerts, trade shows and other events. Ex management would also like to bring harness racing back to the Downs, Rogerson said.

The Manitoba Jockey Club currently operates the Downs and will have to agree to the proposal, Rogerson pointed out, but he believes horseracing in Manitoba needs a saviour.

The cuts to horseracing the province might make will threaten the sport across Manitoba, he said.

The Red River Ex would not only invest in the Downs but in rural tracks, Rogerson said.

“Without our interest and our injection of capital, you know, horseracing would probably be bankrupt and gone in Manitoba.”