Derek Corbel is one of the hardest-working men in show business. And make no mistake, horse racing is a show.

The 50-year-old Winnipegger, who hails from racing royalty at Assiniboia Downs, has worn almost as many hats as the track’s CEO Darren Dunn — who, in turn, has worn almost as many hats as track announcer Kirt Contois.

Then again, neither of them can claim all of the roles Corbel is currently playing.

“Yeah, I wear a lot of hats,” said the son of Emile Corbel, one of the greatest trainers in ASD history. “I’ve done a lot here in 38 years. Right now, though, I’m the starter, paddock judge, assistant director of racing and backstretch supervisor.”

OK, Dunn runs the entire track, and that’s a huge role, and Contois is the face of the Downs on race days.

But when it comes to actual

See Full Page