Turf racing complete for 2023 at Woodbine

TORONTO, November 3, 2023 – Woodbine Racetrack recently concluded turf racing for the 2023 season, posting an increase in average per-race handle on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course.

Races held on the E.P. Taylor Turf remained popular with horseplayers, as the average per-race handle on the world-renowned course came in at $549,353, up from $542,934 in 2022. The average field size from 158 races was 8.75.

The E.P. Taylor played host to all five of Woodbine’s Grade 1 stakes in 2023.

Godolphin won two of the five prestigious events, with Master of The Seas (IRE) winning the Ricoh Woodbine Mile and Nations Pride (IRE) capturing the Canadian International. Top mare Fev Rover (IRE) won the E.P. Taylor Stakes for owner Tracy Farmer, while Carson’s Run took the bet365 Summer Stakes for owners West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey, and She Feels Pretty triumphed in the Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes for Lael Stables.

The Breeders’ Stakes, third leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, saw Touch’n Ride for owner Chiefswood Stables and trainer Layne Giliforte prevail in the mile and a half endurance test on the E.P. Taylor Turf.

The 2023 meet marked the fifth season of racing on the bet365 Inner Turf. The seven-furlong course had an average per-race handle of $412,697, down from a high of $473,987 last season.

Mother Nature played a factor in the number of turf races run in 2023 at Woodbine, as 293 races were contested between both courses, 31 less than in 2022.

Woodbine’s turf courses remain among the safest in the sport, with fatality rates significantly lower than the industry average in 2023.

With turf racing complete, the main track Tapeta will host the balance of the 2023 season at Woodbine. Live racing continues every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 17.

For more information, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB and @WoodbineComms on X (formerly Twitter).