According to multiple reports, the dispute between the Manitoba Jockey Club, the Province of Manitoba and the Red River Exhibition Association over Assiniboia Downs has now escalated beyond court action.
Various mainstream media outlets in the province have reported that the MJC --- which operates live racing at Assiniboia --- has filed a criminal compliant with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The complaint has to do with alleged conspiring between Manitoba Finance Minister Stan Struthers, Red River Ex Association CEO Garth Rogerson and at least two other individuals.
According to an article by CTV News, the MJC is alleging 'the Red River Ex has tried to acquire the racetrack by using confidential cabinet information and claims Struthers has tried to manipulate the provincial budget to bankrupt the jockey club, unless it hands over control to the Red River Ex.'
The CTV News report includes a statement from the Province of Manitoba on the situation, which says in part that the allegations are false and without merit.
(With files from CTV News)
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