WINNIPEG

Commission grants betting licence for 2014 to Assiniboia Downs despite earlier threats to pull it

Jeff Keele CTV Winnipeg
Published Thursday, February 27, 2014 12:00PM CST Last Updated Thursday, February 27, 2014 12:03PM CST

Peguis First Nation and the Manitoba Jockey Club announced a plan Dec. 19, 2013 to build hotels and stores at the Assiniboia Downs lot site between between the racetrack and the MTS Iceplex.

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Horse racing will continue at Assiniboia Downs this year.

The track's 2014 betting license has been granted to the Manitoba Jockey Club.

The Manitoba Horse Racing Commission was threatening to pull the license over a $15 million mortgage levied against the track by Peguis First Nation.

Peguis and the Manitoba Jockey Club announced a major development deal in December.

But the commission tells CTV News the jockey club has provided written assurances ownership of the track will not be transferred to Peguis as part of that deal.