- Woodbine
- • History
- • Culture
- • Leadership
- • Ethics
Woodbine Entertainment is the largest horse racing operator in Canada, with Thoroughbred horse racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, and Standardbred horse racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton. Woodbine Entertainment also owns and operates HPIbet, Canada’s only betting platform dedicated to horse racing. Woodbine and Mohawk Park are host to several world-class racing events including The King’s Plate, three Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, and the Pepsi North America Cup. Run without share capital, Woodbine Entertainment has a mandate to financially invest all profit back into the horse racing industry and the 25,000 jobs it supports across Ontario.
Where Every Finish Line is a New Beginning.
At Woodbine Entertainment, we’re not just about horse racing; we’re about making history and creating unforgettable experiences. With nearly 150 years of tradition, we continue to innovate and elevate the world of professional horse racing in Canada.
Blending our rich heritage with a bold vision for the future, we deliver top-notch racing, dining, and entertainment that keep our guests coming back for more. We’re not just running a race; we’re setting the pace.
Where Every Finish Line is a New Beginning.
At Woodbine Entertainment, we’re not just about horse racing; we’re about making history and creating unforgettable experiences. With nearly 150 years of tradition, we continue to innovate and elevate the world of professional horse racing in Canada.
Blending our rich heritage with a bold vision for the future, we deliver top-notch racing, dining, and entertainment that keep our guests coming back for more. We’re not just running a race; we’re setting the pace.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Woodbine supports approximately 25,000 jobs within Ontario’s agricultural sectors? now That’s a lot of horse power!
Our History
Our History
Established in 1881 as the Ontario Jockey Club, Woodbine Entertainment has evolved into Canada’s premier horse racing operator. Our journey from a single racetrack to a world-renowned entertainment destination is marked by innovation and a commitment to excellence.
Royal Beginnings (1881-1963)
1881-1963
1881: The Ontario Jockey Club (OJC) Opens its Doors in Toronto and the first Queen’s Plate is held at “The Woodbine,” a picturesque track by the shores of Lake Ontario.
1939: King George VI is the first royal to witness the running of the King’s Plate.
1947: Under the leadership of E.P. Taylor, the OJC acquires local racetracks (Hamilton, Thorncliffe, Long Branch, Dufferin and Stamford) and consolidates its racing charters into three racetracks: Fort Erie, Greenwood and a to-be-built Woodbine.
1956: New Woodbine opens in Etobicoke.
1959: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attend the Queen’s Plate for the first time.
1963: Mohawk Park opens for harness racing in Campbellville, Ontario.
Making Waves (1964-1983)
1964-1983
1964: Northern Dancer makes history as the first Canadian horse to win the Kentucky Derby, and goes on to win the Queen’s Plate .
1973: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh attend the Queen’s Plate again.
Secretariat races for the final time before retirement at Woodbine in the Canadian International.
1976: The OJC introduces the first cash, self-automated wagering system in North America.
1982: The first simulcast wagering debuts in North America when OJC broadcasts live racing at Fort Erie to its Woodbine track.
Leading The Way (1984-1998)
1984-1998
1984: The first North America Cup is held at Greenwood and Intertrack Betting Begins. OJC tracks are also approved this year for Inter-Track betting between their own racetracks.
1993: The first “Champions” off-track wagering location opens at the Doctor’s House.
Greenwood Racetrack in the Beaches Area of Toronto closes as a racetrack, but operates as a teletheatre.
1994: Woodbine Racetrack is reconstructed with a 7/8 mile Harness track, a one mile Thoroughbred dirt track and a 1½ mile world renowned turf course.
1996: Woodbine hosts the Breeders’ Cup.
1997: The OJC launches Horseplayer Interactive (HPI), allowing customers to wager on racetracks across Canada, North America and around the world via their phone or computer.
Radical Growth (1999-2009)
1999-2009
1999: OLG brings Slots Gaming to Woodbine & Mohawk with the new ‘Slots at Racetracks’ program.
The Racing Network (TRN), a television service dedicated to Canadian and international horse racing, launches.
2001: OJC rebrands as Woodbine Entertainment.
2003: Woodbine Entertainment opens Turf Lounge, an upscale fine-dining restaurant/bar and teletheatre on Bay Street, in the heart of Toronto’s financial district.
2004: Woodbine Entertainment’s WEGZ Stadium Bar opens in Vaughan.
Internet wagering becomes a reality with the launch of HPIBet.com – Canada’s first legal online horse betting service.
Woodbine becomes the first track in Canada (and the second in North America) to install the revolutionary Polytrack synthetic racing surface.
Fresh Start (2010-2016)
2010-2016
2010: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh attend the Queen’s Plate – which is broadcast in HD (high definition) for the first time on CBC Television.
2012: OLG terminates the ‘Slots at Racetracks’ Program.
2014: The Ontario government announces its Horse Racing Partnership Plan to support the horse racing industry in the province.
2015: New synthetic Thoroughbred racing surface (Tapeta) is installed at Woodbine
2016: A Community Garden is launched on the grounds of Woodbine Racetrack providing learning opportunities and nutritious food to team and community members.
Shaping Up (2017-2019)
2017-2019
2017: Woodbine Mohawk Park becomes home to year-round Standardbred racing.
2018: New gaming service providers are welcomed to Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park to assume control of the gaming operations from the OLG.
2019: Woodbine Mohawk Park’s paddock receives a $6 million expansion.
Woodbine opens a new inner turf course.
Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts all 12 final Breeders Crown races in the same year.
A New Era (2020-2024)
2020-2024
2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodbine’s 2020 racing season is delayed until June. For the first time ever, horse racing carries on with no or limited in-person attendance.
The first edition of the Mohawk Million, a brand-new race with a purse of $1 million, for two-year-old trotters is contested at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
2022: Woodbine Entertainment surpasses a record-breaking $1 billion in all-sources handle.
The Woodbine Community Plan is launched, outlining a vision for the development of a new vibrant community on the expansive Woodbine property.
Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts the 2022 Breeders Crown.
2023: With sports betting newly legal in Ontario, horse racing becomes available on bet365.
The King’s Plate runs under its new name for the first time after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and coronation of King Charles III.
Experience Our Dynamic Culture.
At Woodbine Entertainment, our team of over 1,700 professionals thrives in a supportive and vibrant environment. We prioritize work-life balance and personal growth, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among our employees. From administration to operation, our people are the best in their fields. That’s why Woodbine delivers a best-in-class experience for our team members.
"Working for Woodbine Entertainment has been such a refreshing experience. The work is engaging, the culture is inclusive, and the people are passionate and always supportive. This experience has shown me that work can be more than just a paycheque - this is truly a place for growth, purpose, and fun!"
- Anjali, Manager, Learning & People Development
"If you are looking for a culture of respect, empowerment and family, come to Woodbine. I've been here almost 3 years and its one of the most friendly, open and collaborative environments that I've worked in. People really connect with each other, be it in a work project or on a table tennis match between departments, that family vibe is there. I appreciate the opportunities of growth I've gotten while never really having to compromise a good work life balance."
- Asim, Manager, Digital Communication and Marketing
"As a leader at Woodbine Entertainment, I have the opportunity to develop professionally in significant ways including working on transformative projects alongside senior executives with decades of diverse business experience. Additionally, I receive a wealth of knowledge from our formal mentoring program and look forward to passing my learnings on to others in the company."
- Kevin, Director, Business & Product Development
"Developing my skills at Woodbine Entertainment has allowed me to grow alongside my young family. I truly appreciate how our corporate culture encourages meaningful development while recognizing that I'm a parent and have additional responsibilities at home. From benefits to work-life balance, Woodbine Entertainment supports not only my growth but my family's as well."
- Andrew, Senior Manager Marketing
Discover why Woodbine Entertainment is more than just a workplace. Learn More About Our Culture
Fun Fact: Approximately 80% of Ontario’s pari-mutuel wagering happens through our network. We’re the engine driving Ontario’s horse racing industry.
Steering Excellence: Meet Our Leaders
At Woodbine Entertainment, our leadership team embodies the values and vision that drive our success. With a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation, our leaders are committed to maintaining Woodbine’s legacy of excellence while steering us towards a dynamic future.
Our executive leadership team at Woodbine Entertainment is comprised of extensively experienced individuals, each dedicated to our mission to develop and support a strong and sustainable Ontario horse racing industry.
A Lifetime of Care: Horse Welfare At Woodbine Racetrack.
At the heart of all that Woodbine does is our love of horses.
We are passionately dedicated to the care and well-being of our equine athletes. We’ve set the standard for horse welfare in North America through rigorous protocols, world-class facilities, and a deep-rooted commitment to their safety and happiness. From top-tier track conditions to comprehensive aftercare programs, we’re proud to provide an exceptional environment for our horses, both on and off the racetrack.
Our commitment to horse welfare is evident in every area of our operation. Learn how we care for our horses every step of the way.
- Pre-Race Care: Every horse is monitored by an AGCO veterinarian in the paddock before racing.
- Horse First Policy: Horses deemed unfit to race by racing officials are always scratched from the race, prioritizing their well-being.
- First Responders: Before, during, and after each race, paramedics, a horse ambulance with vets, the outriders, and the gate crew are prepared to respond to emergencies.
- Medication Restrictions: Horses enrolled in the EIPH Program will receive Lasix (furosemide, a diuretic medication) 4 hours before their race. The race program indicates which horses use Lasix. The administration of medications, drugs and substances (Lasix exempt) are prohibited 24 hours prior to first race post time to protect the welfare of the equine athlete and provide a level playing field for all competitors. Two horses, typically the winner and one other, will be drug tested immediately following each race.
- Constant Monitoring: There is testing and reporting on the quality of all tracks before and during racing.
- Safe Surfaces: The consistency and predictability of the Tapeta surface makes it the safest in Thoroughbred racing. The Quarter-Inch Trap Rock Screening surface at Mohawk Park safely withstands all seasons of Standardbred racing.
- Regular Maintenance: All tracks are regularly maintained by professionals, as needed depending on the weather.
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Compliance: Woodbine operates under the strict guidelines of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The AGCO establishes and enforces racing rules, many of which protect horse welfare.
- CPMA Regulation: Woodbine is also subject to the rules and regulations of Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency (CPMA). The CPMA regulates and supervises pari-mutuel betting in Canada on horse races, and maintains the official life of approved medications for race horses and conducts drug testing.
- TAA: Woodbine supports Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). TAA accredits, inspects, and awards grants to organizations who retrain, rehomes, and/or retires Thoroughbred horses.
- LongRun: LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society is Woodbine Racetrack’s local TAA accredited organization. Woodbine is a proud supporter.
- OSAS: Woodbine supports the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS). OSAS assist in the adoption, relocation, and retaining of retired and non-racing Standardbred horses within Ontario.
Behind the Scenes,
A World of Care Awaits.
Join us as we unveil the dedication and passion that goes into every aspect of horse welfare at Woodbine.