TORONTO, November 22, 2023– Woodbine Entertainment today announced initial plans to rebuild a portion of the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course at Woodbine Racetrack.
Woodbine has purchased new Kentucky bluegrass to install over a rebuilt five-furlong section of the E.P. Taylor Turf Course backstretch. The project will also include the installation of a new drainage system, allowing for the possibility of an extended turf season.
Although the E.P. Taylor Turf Course project will not begin until 2025 at the earliest, planning is well underway.
“Woodbine has an unwavering commitment to investing in and providing a world-class racing product,” said Bill ford, Executive Vice President of Racing for Woodbine Entertainment. “This latest investment will ensure the E.P. Taylor Turf remains one of the safest and elite turf courses in our sport. The new grass and drainage system along the E.P. Taylor backstretch will be a significant project that delivers long-term benefits to our Woodbine racing participants and customers.”
The 1 ½ mile E.P. Taylor Turf Course opened in 1994 and quickly became known as one of the premier turf courses in the sport. The backstretch of the uniquely shaped E.P. Taylor course is from the former Marshall turf course, which existed from 1956 to 1993. The course is home to some of Woodbine’s biggest races including three Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In races – the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, the Grade 1 Summer Stakes, and the Grade 1 Natalma Stakes. It also features the Grade 1 Canadian International and the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes.
Woodbine is currently in the planning stages of determining the best date to start the E.P. Taylor Turf Course project with major consideration to providing minimal disruption to the existing racing product as possible. The project will have no impact on the 2024 live racing season.
In addition to the E.P. Taylor Turf Course project, Woodbine has recently installed a covering over the bet365 Inner Turf Course. The cover will protect all seven furlongs of the Inner Turf throughout the winter months and opens the possibility to allow turf racing to begin earlier next season.
