A three-horse wager, called the triac-
tor, was also Wright’s idea. He also in- troduced telephone account wagering and was behind the concept of a TV channel exclusively devoted to horse racing. So what should you expect when you visit the track located on the western fringe of Winnipeg, just off the Trans- Canada highway? An exciting,
refreshing experience.
You probably get the “exciting” part. But refreshing? Tat’s because of the feeling you get under the vast prairie sky (with amazing sunsets, by the way) when track announcer Kirt Contois hollers “Tey’re off!” Te experience in such a wide-open environment is simply ex- hilarating. Let’s just say your first trip there will be memorable. And there’s no charge for parking or admission! You already know about the certified
Angus prime rib part. Tat’s a main- stay at the all-you-can-eat buffets every race night in the best seats in the house overlooking the track. Not far away in the second level Club- house is the Club West Gaming Lounge where — any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. — you can get a lucky streak going at any of the 140 VLTs containing the latest games. A popular event is free tournaments after live rac- ing where players get into the draw for free spins, with a chance of getting into a monthly finale with a nice cash prize. Tere are three interesting ways to
watch the races: in the climate-con- trolled Clubhouse; in the open third level grandstand with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the track, and of the centre of downtown Winnipeg; or on the main level tarmac close to the track, where you can see and feel the drive to the wire as horses thunder down the track, urged on by their jockeys. And all
those flailing whips and
cracking sounds? Don’t worry. “Ouchy” whips are gone. Today’s whip is called a “cushion” whip because it simply makes a popping sound to which horses re- spond.
Almost every week important races
called “stakes” races are run, but the big- gest is Manitoba Derby Day. Tis has become part of the Festival of Racing weekend from Saturday, July 30 to holi-
thehubwinnipeg.com “And they’re off!” signals the start of fun! Summer 2016 • 25
Loading horses into the starting gates.
Jim Wright came up with the idea of assigning saddle colours to the horses’ numbers.
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