view raw text
Assiniboia Downs Dates Approved by Government To Run Two 21 -Day Meetings; Spring Session Opens June 10 By Staff Correspondent WINNIPEG, Man., May 5.— Assiniboia Downs. Winnipegs .spanking new replacement track for the defunct Polo Park, has received formal approval and confirmation of its racing dates, and for supervision of its pari-mutuels from the Federal Department of Agriculture. James C. Hardy,, president of the Racing association announced the confirmation here for the two 21-day meetings, the inaugural festivities scheduled for June 10, and a fall session to run from Sept. 1 through 24. Construction of the project, beset by a series of problems but abetted by unusually mild weather is being consummated according to contract and the cantilevered stands, barns, track, wagering equipment and parking lots will be ready and waiting for the opening day ceremonies. Officials for the meeting, all well-known to fans in central Canada, include presiding steward Col. F. O. H. Eaton, associate steward Clayton Holt, and Maj. John Nethersole representing the Prairie Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Association. George Norton will act as racing secretary assisted by Harry Rudd, and both will serve as placing judges. George Dunn will be in charge of the starting gate, L. W. Parker manages the mutuels. and Don Miller, Ken Sweetman. and Harvey Duncan will be patrol, judges. Stall reservations have been made for 560 head at Assiniboia, with more to come as Prairie racing gets under way. The meeting will feature the quinella form of wagering which has proven so popular in Winnipeg, and the Daily Double rules changed to require the patron to make his choices for both first and second race at the same time. Film patrol and photofinish service will also be used at the meeting.
