TORONTO, March 1 – It’s a sure sign the 2013 thoroughbred racing season is fast approaching, as the doors opened to the Woodbine backstretch area on Friday morning. "It’s a pleasure to see horses and horsemen alike back in action after their winter break," said Steve Koch, vice-president of thoroughbred racing for Woodbine Entertainment Group. "This is a special time of year when hope and anticipation are at their seasonal peak throughout the racing community." Nearly 200 trainers will put over 2,100 stalls in use throughout the eight-month meet, which sees live racing burst from the gate on April 20. The following is the schedule for Woodbine’s training track which opens on Sunday, March 3: Training Track: 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., daily, weather permitting. Sand Ring:6:00 to 12:00 noon, daily The 154th edition of the Queen’s Plate, first jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of Racing, will be run on Sunday, July 7 this year. Share This:Share