Woodbine docuseries takes home Hashtag Sports Award

TORONTO, June 10, 2024 – Woodbine Entertainment’s documentary series ‘Woodbine: Free Rein’ has taken top honours at the Hashtag Sports Awards in New York.

Led by Producers Alanna Nolan and Nathan Riddell, along with Director Jake Thompson, Woodbine’s content team were recognized in the category of Best Women’s Sports Content for episode 4 of Free Rein, entitled, The World-Class Women of Woodbine. The episode focused on the uniqueness of having men and women competing in the same sport as well as the meaningful presence of women in racing. The other finalists for this North American Award included world class brands such as LPGA, Fox Sports, PUMA, Clemson Athletics and The Players’ Tribune.

Now in its sixth year, the Hashtag Sports Awards bring the sports, media, and entertainment industries together to celebrate excellence in engagement that inspires new and creative fan experiences.

In the award-winning fourth episode, viewers meet three women who have found incredible success in the industry: trainer Catherine Day Phillips, and jockeys Sofia Vives and Emma-Jayne Wilson. They share the biases, dangers, and triumphs they face every time the starting gates open.

“This episode is a real reflection of the uniqueness of our sport and the people that work so very hard day in and day out,” said Jonathan Rubinoff, Woodbine’s Director of Content and Social Media.

“Woodbine has one of the most diverse jockey colonies in the world and this story shines a light on the incredible individuals that make it possible for women and men to compete against one another.”

Winning work for the Hashtag Sports Awards is selected by 150+ Executive and Associate members of the Engagement Academy of Sports Entertainment. Each judge is an industry leader and engagement expert that is peer nominated and selected for their specific subject matter expertise.

With the leadership of David Vivenes and the support of Chris Lomon, Scott Goodwin and Robbie Abrahamson, Woodbine adds to an exciting year of recognition. Earlier this year, Woodbine won an Eclipse Award and a Sovereign Award for its short documentary on the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s last race.