17 Wing Public Affairs
17 WING WINNIPEG, Man. - “They’re at the post, and they’re off!” on 17 September, 2010, the familiar call at Assiniboia Downs Racetrack went out after a slightly unusual announcement.
The announcer surprised the crowd by deviating from the normal remarks on training and jockey performance before a race to thank 17 Wing personnel for the efforts and their professionalism. Noting that “17 Wing is ready 24 hours a day, seven days a week” to respond to the Nation’s call, the horses were called to the starting line for the first ever 17 Wing purse.
As the money was not provided by anyone at the Wing, it was a way for Assiniboia Downs to both thank and call attention to the Air Force wing in their neighbourhood. After the close race, members of the Wing were invited to join the winning horse and jockey in the Winner’s circle for the prize photo.
