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King’s plate News

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AUGUST ANTICIPATION: DATE ANNOUNCED FOR 165TH RUNNING OF THE KING’S PLATE

TORONTO, November 22, 2023— The wheels are already in motion for the planning of Canada’s premier thoroughbred horse race and the can’t miss social and fashion event of the summer: The King’s Plate. Woodbine Entertainment today announced the 165th running of The King’s Plate, one of Toronto’s biggest annual sporting events, will take place Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Woodbine [...]

Return of King’s Plate generates largest handle in Woodbine history

TORONTO, August 22, 2023 – The 164th King’s Plate generated the largest single-card handle in Woodbine Racetrack history on Sunday afternoon. A total of $18,127,049.67 was wagered on Sunday’s 13-race King’s Plate card, eclipsing the previous record of $18,005,973.60 from the 2019 Queen’s Plate. The record handle is also a significant increase from last year’s […]

Weekend Notables & Quotables (August 19-20)

Breathing Fire Grey Dragon made a great first impression when the 2-year-old daughter of Frac Daddy won Sunday’s third race, a 5 ½-furlong event on the Tapeta. The grey is bred Goldmart Farms, who co-owns with Royal Laser Inc. Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Robert Tiller is the trainer. Sweet treat Canadiansweetheart, at […]

Paramount Prince reigns supreme in King’s Plate, Casse finishes one-two

TORONTO, August 20, 2023 – Paramount Prince, under jockey Patrick Husbands, bested filly stablemate Elysian Field, both conditioned by dual hall of fame trainer Mark Casse, in the 164th running of the $1 million King’s Plate, Sunday at Woodbine. Last time out in the Plate Trial, Husbands put Paramount Prince on the front end and the pair […]

What horse would King Charles pick in his race? by Ivan Bigg

What horse would King Charles pick in a race named in his honour? Since His Majesty didn’t get back to me in an email sent to his handlers in London (surprise!), I’ve concluded his hunch play would be #1 Stanley House because Buckingham Palace is five minutes away from a hotel called the Stanley House. […]

The Story Behind the Silks by Sophie Charalambous

An owner’s silks are a unique representative of not only the owner but their horses and the jockeys who wear them. Each owner has their own distinct design with various colour combinations to represent and differentiate themselves, with each set of silks having a story behind it. The design and colour symbolism can take on […]

Woodbine to Deliver Extensive Coverage of the First King’s Plate in more than 70 Years

TORONTO, August 19, 2023 – And they’re off! Woodbine Entertainment is set to deliver unparalleled coverage of the highly anticipated 2023 King’s Plate, the first since 1951. The action begins with live national coverage on Sunday, August 20, at 4:30 p.m. ET on TSN, CTV, TSN.ca, CTV.ca, and the TSN and CTV apps. Woodbine is […]

Ten King’s Plate Contenders: As Told by Their Grooms

Sunday marks the 164th running of The King’s Plate. The last King’s Plate took place in 1951, and 2023 marks the first year of the historic name change since then. The $1 million classic is the most prestigious horse race in the country and the longest continually run stakes race in North America. Ten grooms […]

Enhanced wagering and promotions for King’s Plate weekend

TORONTO, August 18, 2023 – Woodbine Racetrack will host the 164th King’s Plate this Sunday with a wide buffet of wagering options and promotions available for horseplayers. The 13-race card will start as a special time of 12:25 p.m. and is headlined by the $1 million King’s Plate in Race 10 (5:39 p.m). Horseplayers at […]

Woodbine Entertainment Announces a Royal Lineup of Partners and Sponsors for the 2023 King’s Plate

TORONTO, August 17, 2023— Woodbine Entertainment announced today the lineup of marquee brands that have signed on as official partners for the 164th King’s Plate, Canada’s premier horse racing spectacle renowned for its fashion, entertainment, and world-class racing. The King’s Plate runs on Sunday, August 20 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and airs nationally on […]

Full field of 17 chase history in The King’s Plate

TORONTO, August 16, 2023 – Seventeen sophomores, including Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser winner Elysian Field, and Plate Trial victor Paramount Prince, both trained by dual hall of famer Mark Casse, will contest the $1 million King’s Plate, first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, highlighting an outstanding stakes-filled Sunday card of racing at Woodbine. The 164th […]

164th King’s Plate – Media Guide

The 164th King's Plate will be contested on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Woodbine Racetrack. Below you will find profiles on each horse and their connections (owners/trainers/jockeys/grooms). In addition, Plate records/facts, past winners and links to various websites and social feeds are also available. FIELD AND POST POSITIONS CONTENDER PROFILES (Click on the horse's name [...]

Paramount Prince leaves rivals reeling in Plate Trial

Toronto, July 23, 2023—Paramount Prince, racing beyond seven furlongs for the first time, made all the running and drew off for an emphatic five-length victory under Patrick Husbands in Sunday’s 1 1/8-mile Plate Trial at Woodbine Racetrack. The Plate Trial, a race for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds, is the major local prep for the $1 million King’s […]

Kalik, Mission of Joy top latest King’s Plate Power Rankings

TORONTO, July 7, 2023 – Woodbine Entertainment today released its latest King’s Plate Power Rankings for the 164th running of Canada’s most prestigious horse race. The 164th King’s Plate is the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is scheduled for Sunday, August 20 at Woodbine Racetrack. The King’s Plate […]

Stanley House tops initial King’s Plate Power Rankings

TORONTO, June 23, 2023 – Woodbine Entertainment today released its first King’s Plate Power Rankings for the 164th running of Canada’s most prestigious horse race. The 164th King’s Plate is the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is scheduled for Sunday, August 20 at Woodbine Racetrack. The King’s Plate […]

Nominations released for King’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks

TORONTO, June 9, 2023 – Woodbine Entertainment today released the latest nomination numbers for The King’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser. Following the initial subscription in early-April, the connections of nominated horses were required to submit a second payment on or before June 7 to remain eligible. The 164th running of The King’s […]

King’s Plate Prospect Watch by Ernie Perri

Woodbine Head Clocker and Oddsmaker Ernie Perri offers up a look at a handful of King’s Plate (August 20) prospects who have caught his eye. “Courtly Ro, a 3-year-old filly for trainer Kevin Attard, has been working with Gold Magic and getting the better of him lately. Fillies have done really well in this race.” […]

Ushering in a New Era: Tickets for the First King’s Plate in Over 70 Years On Sale Now!

TORONTO, May 3, 2023 – Woodbine Entertainment, Canada’s largest racetrack operator, announced today that grandstand tickets to the first King’s Plate in over 70 years go on-sale to the general public this Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m., coinciding with King Charles III’s coronation. Woodbine Entertainment also unveiled The Plate’s new logo today. The Plate, […]

Once Again, The King’s Plate

Canada’s oldest and most prestigious Thoroughbred race enters a new era  Toronto ON – December 7, 2022 – Woodbine Entertainment is pleased to announce that The Queen’s Plate, North America’s longest continuously run stakes race, will once again be known as The King’s Plate.   This exciting next chapter of Canada’s premier Thoroughbred horse race, which […]

Filly power: Record-setting Moira romps to Queen’s Plate glory

TORONTO, August 21, 2022 – Moira was once again masterful in victory, the daughter of Ghostzapper-Devine Aida trouncing her 10 rivals to the tune of a seven-length triumph in the 163rd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, Sunday at Woodbine. If there was any question as to what type of encore the Ontario-bred filly would […]

163rd Queen’s Plate – Facts & Figures

The 163rd running of The Queen's Plate is scheduled for this Sunday (August 21). The Woodbine Communications team has compiled a list of Queen's Plate Facts & Figures, including race records, payout facts, jockey & trainer appearances and more. 163rd Queen's Plate Field Sheet Queen's Plate Facts 2022 Jockeys & Trainers (Past Appearances) 2022 Queen's [...]

Platinum-Selling Canadian Country Duo The Reklaws Named Celebrity Ambassadors for 163rd Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, August 10, 2022 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that platinum-selling Canadian country duo, The Reklaws, have been named the celebrity ambassadors for this year’s 163rd running of The Queen’s Plate on Sunday, August 21 at Woodbine Racetrack. Comprised of siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker, The Reklaws are multiple-time CCMA Award winners and have received […]

Tickets on sale Thursday for The 163rd Queen’s Plate; Messier tops Power Rankings

TORONTO, May 25, 2022 – Tickets for the 163rd running of The Queen’s Plate, Sunday, August 21 at Woodbine Racetrack, go on sale Thursday morning at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.ca. The Queen’s Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, is North America’s oldest continuously run stakes event, showcasing Canada’s top […]

163rd Queen’s Plate scheduled for Sunday, August 21, 2022

TORONTO, December 1, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced the 163rd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Contested annually to showcase Canada’s finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds, The Queen’s Plate is one of […]

QP @ Home a Finalist for Hashtag Sports Award

Toronto, ON – August 26, 2021 – After successfully welcoming back spectators to The Queen’s Plate this past weekend, Woodbine Entertainment’s 2020 ‘QP @ Home’ campaign has been named a finalist for the Best Use of Instagram in the third annual Hashtag Sports Awards presented by Budweiser. Without spectators being permitted to attend The Queen’s [...]

162nd Queen’s Plate Generates Second Highest Handle in Event History

All Sources Handle Up 11% from 2020 TORONTO, August 23, 2021 – Safe Conduct’s triumph in Sunday’s 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate, the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, highlighted a tremendous day of world-class racing at Woodbine Racetrack that produced the second-highest wagering handle in event history. A total of $16,122,170 [...]

G1 Highlander, G2 Dance Smartly and G3 Ontario Colleen contested on Queen’s Plate day

TORONTO, August 22, 2021 – The 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate was the crown jewel for a tremendous 13-race card on Sunday afternoon at Woodbine Racetrack. The stellar undercard included the Grade 1 Highlander, Grade 2 Dance Smartly and Grade 3 Ontario Colleen. Our Flash Drive plugged-in for Grade 3 Ontario Colleen score  TORONTO, […]

Safe Conduct guts out Queen’s Plate victory

TORONTO, August 22, 2021 – Safe Conduct had just enough left in the tank to take the 162nd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest continually run race, as the son of Bodemeister bested a hard-charging Riptide Rock by a head, Sunday at Woodbine. Bred by Ontario’s Mitchell Kursner, the bay colt […]

162nd Queen’s Plate officially sold out

TORONTO, August 21, 2021 – With spectators returning for the first time in two years, Woodbine Entertainment is pleased to announce that Sunday’s 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack. is officially sold out. All grandstand, dining, and general admission tickets for this year’s running of The Queen’s Plate have been sold. In […]

Saturday stakes in the books to launch #QP21 weekend

TORONTO, August 21, 2021 – Woodbine kicked-off Queen’s Plate weekend with a quartet of stakes events on Saturday’s 11-race card. The recaps of each stakes contest are available below. First Empire rules the roost in Soaring Free  TORONTO, August 21, 2021 – First Empire, prominent throughout, took charge around the final turn and held off […]

162nd Queen’s Plate Power Rankings: Keep Grinding No. 1

TORONTO, August 20, 2021 – With The Queen’s Plate just a few days away, Woodbine Entertainment has released the final Queen’s Plate Power Rankings for this year’s 162nd edition. The 162nd Queen’s Plate will take place on Sunday (August 22) at Woodbine Racetrack. Canada’s most famous horse race will launch the 2021 OLG Canadian Triple Crown, which […]

Graded stakes trio part of stellar Queen’s Plate card

TORONTO, August 20, 2021 – A trio of graded stakes, the Highlander (G1), Dance Smartly (G2), Ontario Colleen (G3), complement the 162nd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, Sunday at Woodbine. Seven fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, will vie for top spot in the $175,000 Dance Smartly Stakes, a 1 ¼-mile test over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course. Graham […]

Ladies of the Lawn series returns with online auction supporting Rethink Breast Cancer

Toronto, August 20, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment is excited to announce the return of the Ladies of the Lawn series. Launched in 2019, Woodbine’s Ladies of the Lawn is a points-based bonus series that includes three premier turf races for fillies and mares. The owner of the horse who has accumulated the most points upon […]

162nd Queen’s Plate: Draw Quotes

TORONTO, August 18, 2021 – The post-position draw for the 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate was held Wednesday morning at Woodbine Racetrack. A total of 13 horses were entered for this year’s $1-million race. Following a draw for order of selection, the connections of the horses entered provided their post selection and thoughts on […]

Wide-open Queen’s Plate attracts 13 hopefuls

TORONTO, August 18, 2021 – Thirteen hopefuls, including four Kevin Attard trainees, will vie for top prize in the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, highlighting a stakes-laden, entertainment-filled Sunday card of racing at Woodbine. The 162nd edition of the Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest continually run race, contested at 1 ¼ miles […]

Platinum-Certified Recording Artist Ryland James to Perform National Anthem at The Queen’s Plate

Toronto, ON – August 18, 2021 –JUNO Award-nominated and platinum certified singer-songwriter Ryland James is set to perform the National Anthem at Canada’s most historic and prestigious horse race, The Queen’s Plate, this Sunday, August 22. Ryland’s performance of O’Canada is expected to be a special moment in the long and storied history of the […]

Queen’s Plate Notes: Wednesday, August 18, 2021

TORONTO, August 18, 2021 – A look at some of the contenders set to contest the 162nd running of the Queen’s Plate, first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, slated for this Sunday at Woodbine.  Full of energy, Safe Conduct revved up for Plate Safe Conduct is a big horse with the energy to […]

Queen’s Plate Notes: Tuesday, August 17, 2021

TORONTO, August 17, 2021 – A look at some of the contenders set to contest the 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate, slated for this Sunday at Woodbine. The Queen’s Plate is the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Tidal Forces, aka, “Brutus,” set for Queen’s Plate date Sam-Son Farm […]

Canadian Olympians Penny Oleksiak & Kayla Sanchez Named Celebrity Ambassadors for The 162nd Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, August 16, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that Canadian Olympic teammates Penny Oleksiak and Kayla Sanchez, both of whom won multiple medals in swimming at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, have been named Celebrity Ambassadors for the 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate, the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. The Queen’s […]

Queen’s Plate Notes: Monday, August 16, 2021

TORONTO, August 16, 2021 – A look at some of the contenders set to contest the 162nrd running of the Queen’s Plate, slated for this Sunday at Woodbine. Woodbine Oaks champ Munnyfor Ro ready for Queen’s Plate date It has become pretty much de rigueur for the Woodbine Oaks winner to run back in the […]

Canadian Legend Jim Cuddy to Perform Live at The 162nd Queen’s Plate on August 22

TORONTO, August 9, 2021 – Legendary Canadian performing artist Jim Cuddy and his band will perform live at The 162nd Queen’s Plate, the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, at Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, August 22, 2021. Cuddy, an accomplished solo artist and one-half of the song writing duo responsible for Blue Rodeo […]

162nd Queen’s Plate Power Rankings: Weyburn remains No. 1; Oaks winner Munnyfor Ro debuts

TORONTO, August 6, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment today released its latest edition of Power Rankings for the 162nd running of the Queen’s Plate. The 162nd Queen’s Plate will take place on Sunday, August 22 at Woodbine Racetrack. Canada’s most famous horse race will launch the 2021 OLG Canadian Triple Crown, which includes the Prince of Wales […]

The Queen’s Plate tickets on sale now!

TORONTO, July 30, 2021 – Tickets for The 162nd Queen’s Plate, the first jewel of the 2021 OLG Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, are now on sale through Ticketmaster.ca. This year’s Queen’s Plate will welcome back spectators for the first time since June 2019. Due to government-imposed capacity limits, fans are encouraged to buy tickets […]

Date set for the 162nd running of The Queen’s Plate in 2021

TORONTO, January 12, 2021 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that the 162nd  running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Contested annually to showcase Canada’s finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds, The Queen’s Plate is one [...]

Queen’s Plate champion Mighty Heart continues OLG Canadian Triple Crown chase in Prince of Wales Stakes

TORONTO, September 28, 2020 – Queen’s Plate winner Mighty Heart will continue his pursuit of the prestigious OLG Canadian Triple Crown when he takes on eight contenders at Fort Erie Race Track in the 85th Prince of Wales Stakes, on Tuesday, September 29. After a dominating 7 ½-length triumph in the Queen’s Plate, Mighty Heart, bred [...]

Queen’s Plate Quotes

TORONTO, September 12, 2020 – Mighty Heart and jockey Daisuke Fukumoto won the 161st running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, on Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack. The one-eyed Dramedy-Emma’s Bullseye colt is trained by Josie Carroll for owner/breeder Lawrence Cordes. Top three finishers: Mighty Heart-Belichick-Clayton Final time: […]

One-eyed Mighty Heart mighty in Queen’s Plate triumph, Carroll finishes one-two

TORONTO, September 12, 2020 – Mighty Heart lived up to his name in a dominating score in the 161st running of the Queen’s Plate, as the one-eyed colt trounced his 13 rivals on Saturday at Woodbine. Originally slated for June 27, North America’s oldest continually run race was moved to September 12 due to the […]

Expert horseplayers weigh in for final Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by OLG Canadian Triple Crown

TORONTO, September 11, 2020 – The field is set for Saturday’s $1 million Queen’s Plate at Woodbine and the experts have weighed in with their selections for the final edition of the Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. The Power Rankings highlight top contenders leading up to the first leg […]

Canadian Stakes, Bison City set the table for stellar Queen’s Plate card

TORONTO, September 10, 2020 – Art of Almost and Elizabeth Way, both trained by Roger Attfield, will take on eight rivals, including multiple Grade 1 champion Cambier Parc, in Saturday’s $250,000 Canadian Stakes presented by the Japan Racing Association (Grade 2), one of four added-money features that complement the 161st running of The Queen’s Plate. A […]

Clayton, Curlin’s Voyage face 12 rivals in compelling edition of Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, September 9, 2020 – Plate Trial champ Clayton and multiple stakes-winning filly Curlin’s Voyage will take on 12 other Queen’s Plate hopefuls in the $1 million classic set for 1 ¼ miles on the Woodbine Tapeta this Saturday. The 161st edition of the Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest continually run race, is the first leg of […]

Reminder: Queen’s Plate post position draw to be held on Wednesday

TORONTO, September 8, 2020 – The post position draw for the 161st running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, will be held tomorrow morning (Wednesday, Sept. 9). Racing analyst Jason Portuondo will host the post draw show, which will be streamed live online from Woodbine Racetrack’s broadcast […]

Woodbine Sessions featuring Ryland James and Jade Eagleson

Toronto, On – September 8, 2020 – As part of this year’s Queen’s Plate @ Home, Woodbine Entertainment is creating a new tradition for one of Canada’s most prestigious events. To keep music as a big part of The Queen’s Plate experience, Woodbine Entertainment invited Universal Music Canada artists Jade Eagleson and platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ryland […]

Woodbine Thoroughbred Jackpot Hi-5 mandatory payout set for Queen’s Plate day

TORONTO, September 6, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that there will be a mandatory payout for the Woodbine Thoroughbred Jackpot Hi-5 next Saturday, Sept. 12 to close out the Queen’s Plate program. Wagering on the Jackpot Hi-5 will be suspended following the Monday, Sept. 7 race card and will not be offered on the […]

Experience the traditions of The Queen’s Plate safely at Moxie’s Grill & Bar

EXPERIENCE THE TRADITIONS OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE SAFELY AT MOXIE’S GRILL & BAR The Reklaws to Perform Live Acoustic Set at Moxie’s Grill & Bar Near Woodbine Racetrack TORONTO, September 3, 2020 – The 161st Queen’s Plate is coming to a Moxie’s Grill & Bar Patio and Lounge near you. While this year’s Queen’s Plate […]

Memorable Queen’s Plate Firsts

By: Chris Lomon for Woodbine.com TORONTO, September 3, 2020 – Three Queen’s Plate stories, each one a decidedly different recollection of the iconic horse race, but united by one common theme. Trainer Nicholas Gonzalez, farm manager David Whitford and jockey Justin Stein all have fond memories of the oldest continually run Thoroughbred race in North […]

Queen’s Plate post position draw to be live streamed on September 9

TORONTO, September 2, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment has announced that the post position draw for the 161st running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, will be presented online via a live stream on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. Racing analyst Jason Portuondo will host the virtual […]

Clayton takes top spot in the 161st Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by OLG Canadian Triple Crown

TORONTO, August 20, 2020 – A victory in the Plate Trial on Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack propelled Clayton to the top spot in the second edition of the 161st Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. The Power Rankings highlight top OLG Canadian Triple Crown contenders as voted on by expert […]

Introducing The Queen’s Plate @ Home

INTRODUCING THE QUEEN’S PLATE @ HOME Building new traditions for one of Canada’s oldest traditions and most prestigious events   TORONTO, August 20, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment is excited to share its plans for the 161st Queen’s Plate that will bring one of Canada’s most prestigious events and storied traditions directly to fans like never […]

Curlin’s Voyage wows in Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser

TORONTO, August 15, 2020 – Curlin’s Voyage, patiently handled by Patrick Husbands, put away her rivals in early stretch en route to victory in the 65th running of the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser, Saturday at Woodbine. Trained by Josie Carroll and owned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings Inc., and Windsor Boys Racing, […]

Clayton connects: Plate Trial drama sets the table for Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, August 15, 2020 – Clayton, a son of 2012 Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister, dug deep to fend off a pair of stubborn foes in taking the $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes, Saturday afternoon at Woodbine. The road to the Queen’s Plate – set for Saturday, September 12 – is heating up. A field of six […]

Halo Again tops 161st Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by the OLG Canadian Triple Crown

TORONTO, August 13, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced the first edition of the 161st Queen’s Plate Power Rankings presented by the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, and it looks quite different than the list of top contenders from The Queen’s Plate Winterbook that was released in February. Woodbine Entertainment also announced that this year’s Canadian […]

Will Halo Again run rings around Plate Trial foes?

TORONTO, August 12, 2020 – Halo Again goes after his fourth career win in his sixth start in Saturday’s $150,000 Plate Trial Stakes, a traditional prep for Canada’s most famous race, the $1 million Queen’s Plate, scheduled for September 12. All Plate Trial starters carry 126 pounds, the same weight they’ll carry should they contest […]

Seven ready to test Marine waters / Seven also set for Selene

TORONTO, July 22, 2020 – A pair of Grade 3 events, the $125,000 Marine Stakes and $125,000 Selene Stakes, share the spotlight this Saturday at Woodbine. A key prep on the road to this year’s Queen’s Plate (September 12, at Woodbine), the 1 1/16-mile main track Marine, for three-year-olds, has attracted some noteworthy Canadian-breds hoping […]

Sixty-one contenders continue on the road to The Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, July 9, 2020 – Sixty-one of the finest Canadian-bred three-year-olds remain on target for the 161st running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12. The connections of 58 Queen’s Plate hopefuls made the July 1 sustaining payment with an additional three supplementing to the 1 1/4-mile opening leg of the […]

Hernandez sweeps Saturday stakes as favourite Halo Again delivers in Queenston and Skywire upsets in Eclipse

TORONTO, July 4, 2020 – Leading jockey Rafael Hernandez swept the back-to-back stakes features as part of a five-win performance on Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack, with Halo Again a popular winner in $125,000 Queenston Stakes and Skywire pulling off a 17-1 upset in the $175,000 Eclipse (Grade 2). Returning to the scene of his 2019 […]

Gun Society aims for Fury victory

TORONTO, July 3, 2020 – Six fillies, including Gun Society, vie for top prize in Sunday’s $125,000 Fury Stakes, at Woodbine. A daughter of Society’s Chairman, Gun Society arrives at the seven-furlong Fury (for Canadian-foaled three-year-old fillies), a key race on the road to the Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser (August 15), and possible date […]

Queenston, Eclipse on Saturday’s plate at Woodbine

TORONTO, July 2, 2020 – The $125,000 Queenston Stakes, a key race on the road to this year’s Queen’s Plate, and the Grade 2 $175,000 Eclipse Stakes share the spotlight this Saturday at Woodbine. Nine horses will contest the seven-furlong Queenston, a main track stakes for three-year-olds foaled in Canada. The 65th edition of the […]

Newstome and Owlette win first stakes of the Woodbine meet

TORONTO, June 13, 2020 – Stakes action kicked off at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday afternoon with three-year-old colt Newstome winning the $100,000 Woodstock Stakes and Owlette taking the six-furlong companion Star Shoot for fillies. With Luis Contreras aboard, Newstome made headlines with a commanding victory in the season’s first stakes event for trainer Michael Trombetta […]

Queen’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks hopefuls set to contest Woodstock and Star Shoot Stakes

TORONTO, June 10, 2020 – A pair of key prep races on the road to the Queen’s Plate, the $100,000 Woodstock and the $100,000 Star Shoot, kick off the Woodbine Thoroughbred stakes season this Saturday. The 122nd edition of the Woodstock, for three-year-olds, and the companion Star Shoot, for three-year-old fillies, share the spotlight on […]

TSN and Woodbine Entertainment partner to deliver weekly dual breed horse racing broadcasts, beginning June 11

TSN and Woodbine Entertainment Partner to Deliver Weekly Dual Breed Horse Racing Broadcasts, Beginning June 11  RACING NIGHT LIVE to air Thursday evenings throughout the summer and leading up to the Canadian Triple Crown on Canada’s Sports Leader   TORONTO, June 3, 2020 – TSN and Woodbine Entertainment announced today they are expanding their successful broadcast […]

Woodbine Entertainment unveils revised stakes schedule

WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT UNVEILS REVISED STAKES SCHEDULE The Queen’s Plate and Ricoh Woodbine Mile on Back-to-Back Weekends TORONTO, May 20, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment unveiled its revised stakes schedule for the 2020 Thoroughbred racing season which is now scheduled to open on Saturday, June 6 and will run through Sunday, December 13 at Woodbine Racetrack in […]

161st Running of The Queen’s Plate Scheduled for Saturday, September 12

TORONTO, ON – Monday, May 18 – On Victoria Day, a day in which Canada honours Queen Victoria, Woodbine Entertainment is pleased to announce that The Queen’s Plate will remain as the longest continuously run Thoroughbred stakes race in North America. The 161st running of The Queen’s Plate will be held on Saturday, September 12, […]

The Queen’s Plate officially postponed

TORONTO, April 1, 2020 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that the 161st running of The Queen’s Plate will be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 27. While a new date has not been confirmed, Woodbine Entertainment intends to host The Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack this year, […]

Catching up with Roger Attfield

TORONTO, March 4, 2020 – Woodbine trainers have seen quite a bit of stakes success already this winter. Kevin Attard has recorded a pair of stakes wins with Starship Jubilee at Gulfstream Park, Barb Minshall recorded a graded stakes victory with Admiralty Pier at Tampa Bay Downs, and Mark Casse has won a trio of […]

Additional tickets released for the 2020 Queen’s Plate Festival

TORONTO, February 25, 2020 – A wide selection of tickets is now on sale for the 2020 Queen’s Plate Festival, Canada’s unrivalled horse racing experience set for Saturday, June 27 at Woodbine Racetrack. The Queen’s Plate Festival will showcase the 161st running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate stakes race, the first jewel of the […]

In Pictures: Relive the 160th running of the Queen’s Plate

TORONTO, July 6, 2019 – One Bad Boy kicked off his quest for the OLG Canadian Triple Crown title and bonus by leading all the way in the 160th edition of the $1 million Queen’s Plate last Saturday at Woodbine. The record-breaking Queen’s Plate day, with handle topping $18 million, featured an abundance of star […]

Queen’s Plate Quotes

TORONTO, June 29, 2018 – One Bad Boy and jockey Flavien Prat won the 160th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate on Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack. The three-year-old son od Twirling Candy is trained by Richard Baltas and owned by Sayjay Racing LLC, Greg Hall and Brooke Hubbard. Top three order of finish: One […]

One Bad Boy good to go in coast-to-coast score in 160th running of the Queen’s Plate

One Bad Boy good to go in coast-to-coast score in 160th running of the Queen’s Plate Queen’s Plate day smashes single day wagering record at Woodbine TORONTO, June 29, 2019—One Bad Boy was good to go for the 160th running of the Queen’s Plate on Saturday at Woodbine, taking charge early and fending off a […]

The Queen’s Plate: Lady Power

By: Colin Nolte and Tommy Cosgrove for Woodbine.com The Queen’s Plate, the most important race for Canadian three-year-old Thoroughbreds, is the oldest continuously run stakes race on the North American continent. The event is steeped in tradition and folklore. From the awarding of 50 Royal Sovereigns, which dates back to the original purse awarded at […]

Queen’s Plate champion Holy Helena returns to Woodbine

Story by: Beverley Smith for Woodbine Communications TORONTO, June 26, 2019–It’s only fitting: two years after her dominant victory in the Queen’s Plate, Holy Helena has come home to race on Plate day at Woodbine, albeit in the Dance Smartly Stakes. The five-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper, owned by Frank Stronach’s Adena Stables, was chosen Canada’s […]

Queen’s Plate Post Position Draw to be live streamed today

TORONTO, June 26, 2019 – The post position draw for the 160th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, will be streamed live online this morning. The media event will be held in the Trackside Clubhouse at Woodbine Racetrack and is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., with proceedings […]

Avie’s Flatter looms as the one to beat in contentious Queen’s Plate field

TORONTO, June 26, 2019—Avie’s Flatter, Canada’s champion two-year-old male, looms as the horse to beat when he faces 13 other Queen’s Plate hopefuls in the $1 million showpiece over 1 1/4 miles on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface this Saturday. The 160th edition of the Queen’s Plate, North America’s oldest annually run race, is the first leg […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Tuesday, June 25, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (14) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Monday, June 24, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (14) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Sunday, June 23, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (14) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Saturday, June 22, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (14) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Friday, June 21, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (12) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

160th Queen’s Plate Attracts Slate of Marquee Brand Partners

OLG, G.H. Mumm, Lexus, J.P. Wisers, Stella Artois and Bubly to bring to life Canada’s must-attend summer event   TORONTO, ON, June 20, 2019– Woodbine Entertainment announced today the lineup of marquee brands that have signed on as official partners for the 160th running of the Queen’s Plate. One of Canada’s most prestigious horse racing […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Thursday, June 20, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (12) Horse / Trainer / Owner / Jockey Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited […]

Queen’s Plate notes for Wednesday, June 19, 2019

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE PROBABLE FIELD FOR THE 160TH RUNNING OF THE QUEEN’S PLATE (12) Horse / Trainer / Owner Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited He’s a Macho Man / Josie Carroll / […]

Dressing for the Big Race

TORONTO, June 14, 2019 – Whether she is offering horseplayers insights from the paddock or braving all elements to capture post-race reactions live from the winner’s circle, racing analyst Dawn Lupul always looks fabulous. Woodbine’s own style icon shares her summer fashion tips for the races and favourite looks from Queen’s Plate fashion partner Ever [...]

TSN and Woodbine Entertainment Partner to Deliver Live Coverage of the 2019 OLG Canadian Triple Crown

TORONTO, June 11, 2019 – TSN and Woodbine Entertainment today announced that Canada’s Sports Leader will once again deliver live coverage of the country’s biggest horse racing events, highlighted by all three legs of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. The chase for the OLG Canadian Triple Crown begins with the 160th running of the $1 million […]

Desert Ride steals the spotlight in the Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser

TORONTO, June 8, 2019 – Last of 10 through the first quarter, Desert Ride circled the field to win the 64th running of the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser, the first leg of the Triple Tiara for Canada’s finest three-year-old fillies, on Saturday at Woodbine. Steve Bahen worked out the winning trip in the […]

Pay for Peace pulls off 19-1 upset in the Plate Trial Stakes

TORONTO, June 8, 2019 – Pay for Peace overtook 9-5 favourite Federal Law in mid-stretch to pull off a 19-1 upset in the $125,000 Plate Trial Stakes on Saturday afternoon at Woodbine. With Luis Contreras aboard for trainer Rachel Halden, the Silent Name-Dancing Bay gelding stepped up his game to notch his first stakes victory […]

Looking to lay down the ‘Law’ in Plate Trial

TORONTO, June 5, 2019 – Trainer Mark Casse, who has two Queen’s Plate crowns on his outstanding racing résumé, sends out the battle-tested Federal Law in Saturday’s $125,000 Plate Trial Stakes, a traditional prep for Canada’s most famous race, the $1 million ‘Gallop for the Guineas,’ scheduled for June 29. A three-time winner from 10 […]

Winner of OLG Canadian Triple Crown to receive $500,000 bonus

Toronto, June 5, 2019 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) will be returning as the official partner and title sponsor of Canada’s Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing. As part of the partnership, a new $500,000 bonus is being offered if there is a winner of the OLG Canadian […]

The Photo Finish: Woodbine presents the 2019 Queen’s Plate Style Guide

TORONTO, May 30, 2019 – Woodbine Entertainment presents “The Photo Finish,” the official Queen’s Plate Style Guide for 2019. The Photo Finish was created and edited by local filmmaker Zach Ramelan, in partnership with Buffer Festival, and features a cast of prominent, young Canadian talent sporting fabulous fashion provided by David Dunkley Fine Millinery, Official Milliner […]

Casse’s winning momentum continues in Woodbine’s Queenston Stakes

TORONTO, May 19, 2019 – After celebrating former Woodbine runner War of Will’s Preakness Stakes victory yesterday at Pimlico, Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse carried his winning momentum into Sunday’s 10-race program at the Toronto oval with a grand slam including the featured $125,000 Queenston Stakes for three-year-olds. Casse has dominated recent stakes […]

More success for Souper Success in Queenston Stakes?

TORONTO, May 16, 2019 – Fans across the country will have the opportunity to watch some of the top contenders for Canada’s most famous horse race, the Queen’s Plate, when they go postward in the $125,000 Queenston Stakes, Sunday at Woodbine. Five Plate-eligible horses will square off in the seven-furlong sprint for Canadian-foaled three-year-olds. The […]

Carroll honoured by Hall of Fame achievement

By: Hayley Morrison for Woodbine Communications TORONTO, April 15, 2019 – She loves racing, has a passion for horses and is great at winning not just any race, but the historic races such as the Queen’s Plate. It should therefore come as no surprise that veteran horse conditioner Josie Carroll finds herself being inducted into […]

Canadian country music duo High Valley featured at the 2019 Queen’s Plate Racing Festival

TORONTO, April 9, 2019 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that Canadian country music duo High Valley will headline this year’s music line-up at the two-day Queen’s Plate Racing Festival with a live performance on the Hats & Horseshoes stage at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, June 29. High Valley, who just released their highly anticipated new […]

Queen’s Plate Winterbook favourite Avie’s Flatter wins his season’s debut

TORONTO, April 6, 2019 – Canadian-bred three-year-old Avie’s Flatter, the early 2019 Queen’s Plate favourite, made his season’s debut a winning one in the $150,000 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania (Grade 3) on Friday at Keeneland. Owned by Ivan Dalos and trained by Josie Carroll, Avie’s Flatter and jockey Javier Castellano held off the late-charging favourite Henley’s Joy to […]

A vision of victory: Woodbine unveils this year’s Queen’s Plate logo

TORONTO, March 22, 2019 – Woodbine Entertainment has released the official logo for this summer’s iconic Queen’s Plate Racing Festival, which runs from June 28-29 at Woodbine Racetrack. For the first time, the logo incorporates the word “festival” recognizing the event’s growth in popularity as a full entertainment experience highlighted by the 160th running of […]

Snowbirds Report: March 11 – March 17, 2019

TORONTO, March 19, 2019 – Welcome to the 11th edition of the weekly Woodbine Snowbirds Report, now in its eighth year, chronicling the winter adventures of Woodbine-based trainers and jockeys currently plying their trade south of the border. This week, we check in with trainer Mike Keogh, who has his 21-horse stable at Aiken Training Track […]

The Washboard Union wins JUNO Award as Breakthrough Group of the Year

TORONTO, March 18, 2019 – The Washboard Union, who will headline the opening day of the Queen’s Plate Racing Festival this summer at Woodbine Racetrack, earned their first JUNO Award as Breakthrough Group of the Year this past weekend in London, Ont. “Our hearts are literally exploding tonight as we won our first @thejunoawards for Breakthrough Group of […]

The Washboard Union talks #QP19 at KX96

TORONTO, March 15, 2019 – The Washboard Union appeared on KX96 New Country FM earlier this week to discuss their upcoming Queen’s Plate performance, their new single “She Gets Me” and their JUNO Award nomination with morning show host Jerry Archer. The Washboard Union will open this year’s Queen’s Plate Racing Festival at Woodbine Racetrack with […]

JUNO Award nominee The Washboard Union to perform at 2019 Queen’s Plate Racing Festival

TORONTO, March 13, 2019 – The JUNO Award-nominated country music group The Washboard Union will be among the featured musical acts to headline this year’s Queen’s Plate Racing Festival, which runs from June 28-29 at Woodbine Racetrack. Fronted by step-brothers Aaron Grain & Chris Duncombe and their best friend David John Roberts, The Washboard Union […]

Avie’s Flatter named 2019 Queen’s Plate Winterbook favourite 

TORONTO, March 8, 2019 – Avie’s Flatter leads a list of 84 three-year-old Thoroughbreds nominated to the Canadian Triple Crown, which opens with the $1 million Queen’s Plate on Saturday, June 29 at Woodbine Racetrack. Avie’s Flatter has been assessed as the early 3-1 favourite in this year’s edition of the Queen’s Plate Winterbook. Compiled by Ron Gierkink and Alex Campbell of the Daily Racing Form, the hypothetical Winterbook offers an […]

Million-dollar Queen’s Plate and Ricoh Woodbine Mile headline 2019 Thoroughbred stakes schedule

Million-dollar Queen’s Plate and Ricoh Woodbine Mile headline 2019 Thoroughbred stakes schedule  Woodbine’s new inner turf course scheduled to open this spring TORONTO, February 19, 2019 – Woodbine Entertainment has unveiled its stakes schedule for the 2019 Thoroughbred racing season highlighted by the prestigious $1 million Queen’s Plate and the $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile, […]

Tickets on sale now for the 2019 Queen’s Plate Racing Festival

TORONTO, December 6, 2018 – Tickets are on sale now for the 2019 Queen’s Plate Racing Festival, which will run from Friday, June 28 to Saturday, June 29 at Woodbine Racetrack. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ca for Canada’s premier horse racing festival, which culminates with the 160th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate […]

The 160th running of the Queen’s Plate set for June 29

TORONTO, November 29, 2018 – Woodbine Entertainment announced today that the 160th running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. North America’s oldest continuously-run stakes event showcasing Canada’s top three-year-old Thoroughbreds is the […]