Woodbine’s Turf Champions Day generates record handle

TORONTO, September 14, 2026 – With the eyes of the racing world watching, Woodbine Racetrack’s Turf Champions Day produced thrilling finishes and an event record handle of $14 million.

Hosting four Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races on the same day for the first time, Turf Champions Day attracted the best from all parts of the globe to compete at Woodbine. This year’s Turf Champions Day marked a return to the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course after the 2025 edition was held on the Inner Turf during renovations.

The 12-race card generated an event record all-source total handle of $14,013,429. The total figure includes the Woodbine $5 Stakes Pick-3, which is identified as a separate card in tote systems.

The $14 million total surpasses the previous mark of $13.8 million set in 2021.

“Turf Champions Day continues to demonstrate the strength and appeal of Woodbine’s turf racing,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine. “Setting an event record handle is a significant achievement, and it reflects the quality of competition, the support of all the owners, trainers and participants, and the enthusiasm of our fans and wagering customers.

“We’re proud of the team that brings this day together and grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success.”

The quartet of Grade 1 races lived up to their hype, led by Notable Speech (GB) defending his championship in the $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1T). The reigning Breeders’ Cup Mile winner delivered his usual powerful finish to snap Deterministic’s six-race win streak for Godolphin, trainer Charles Appleby and jockey William Buick.

Notable Speech (GB) joins Wise Dan (2012, 2013) as the only horses to win the Woodbine Mile in back-to-back years. Godolphin and Charles Appleby each collected their fourth Woodbine Mile win. Godolphin now holds the record for most by an owner, while Appleby breaks a five-way tie to become the winningest trainer in race history. Buick also won his fourth and is now one win back of John Velazquez at five.

The E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T) was won by South African champion Gimme a Nother (SAF) for owner Newstead Stables and trainer Graham Motion. It was the first North American Grade 1 win for the six-year-old mare, who prevailed in a blanket finish. John Velazquez was in the irons and collected his 1,300^th career stakes victory.

The bet365 Summer Stakes (G1T) for two-year-olds saw Godolphin, Appleby and Buick collect yet another Grade 1 win at Woodbine with Al Hudaiba (GB), while the Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1T) for two-year-old fillies was won by Voyager for D. J. Stable, trainer Mark Casse and jockey Javier Castellano. Casse extended his record for wins in the Natalma by collecting his ninth.

Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor Turf Course will remain in the spotlight over the next several weeks. The Breeders’ Stakes, final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, is scheduled for September 27, while the historic Grade 1 Canadian International will be contested on October 3.

Live racing continues each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Woodbine through mid-December.

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