E.P. Taylor Turf Course Scheduled to Return to Racing on August 8

TORONTO, ON – July 20, 2026 – Woodbine Entertainment is pleased to announce that the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course is scheduled to return to racing on Saturday, August 8 – several weeks ahead of the original September 1 reopening target – following the completion of a comprehensive renovation designed to enhance the long-term safety, consistency and sustainability of one of North America’s premier turf racing surfaces.

Construction began immediately following the 2025 King’s Plate and progressed on schedule throughout the project. The extensive renovation focused on the backstretch section of the turf course and included the installation of a new drainage system, upgraded irrigation infrastructure, and a completely rebuilt racing profile.

Over the coming weeks, Woodbine will continue to carefully evaluate the renovated turf course through a series of gallop sessions involving horses and riders. The surface will also be reviewed in collaboration with the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA), the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) before racing resumes.

The return of racing to the renovated E.P. Taylor Turf Course is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, when an allowance race will be contested over the surface, pending the successful completion of those final evaluations.

Following its scheduled return to racing on August 8, the E.P. Taylor Turf Course will host a series of allowance races before welcoming back stakes competition on King’s Plate Day, Saturday, August 15. The $150,000 bet365 Soaring Free Stakes and $150,000 Catch A Glimpse Stakes will return to their traditional home on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course and once again be contested at their customary distance of 6½ furlongs.

“The E.P. Taylor Turf Course has long been one of the defining features of Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine and one of the premier turf courses in North America,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class racing infrastructure that supports the long-term success of Thoroughbred racing in Ontario. We’re incredibly proud of the work that has gone into this project and excited to welcome horses back to the course in the coming weeks.

“I’d also like to sincerely thank our owners, trainers, jockeys and the entire Woodbine racing community for their patience, understanding and flexibility throughout the construction process. We recognize that this project required adjustments to training schedules and post times over much of the past year, and we greatly appreciate how everyone accommodated those changes while allowing this important work to move forward. Their support has helped make an investment that will benefit Ontario racing for generations to come.”

The E.P. Taylor Turf Course is internationally recognized for hosting some of Canada’s most prestigious turf races, including Woodbine’s four Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Races – the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes, Grade 1 Natalma Stakes, Grade 1 Summer Stakes – all contested on Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 12, and Grade 1 Canadian International held on Saturday, October 3. The renovation will help ensure the course continues to provide a safe, consistent and world-class racing surface for horses, riders and horse people for years to come.

The reopening of the E.P. Taylor Turf Course will restore Woodbine’s ability to utilize both turf courses, creating greater flexibility in the racing program and expanding turf racing opportunities for owners and trainers throughout the fall and beyond.

“The bet365 Inner Turf has performed exceptionally well over the past year and exceeded our expectations,” said Bill Ford, Executive Vice President of Racing, Woodbine Entertainment. “It successfully hosted some of our biggest race days, including the Canadian International and our Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ races, while continuing to provide a safe and consistent racing surface throughout the season. With only one turf course available, we had to carefully manage its use by limiting the number of turf races carded on the Inner Turf to protect the racing surface throughout the season.

“The return of the E.P. Taylor Turf Course gives us the best of both worlds. We’ll once again have the flexibility to utilize both turf courses strategically, allowing us to expand turf racing opportunities across all levels of our racing program while continuing to showcase our premier stakes races on one of North America’s great turf courses. That’s a win for our owners, trainers, horse players and everyone who supports Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine.”

By the Numbers

For the latest racing information and schedules, visit www.woodbine.com.