Woodbine Racetrack, located in Toronto, Ontario, is Canada’s premier Thoroughbred racing venue. Opened in 1956, it has become world famous as the home of the King’s Plate (formerly the Queen’s Plate), the oldest continuously run stakes race in North America and the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown. Known for its state-of-the-art Tapeta surface and the internationally acclaimed E.P. Taylor Turf Course, Woodbine stands as a global hub for top-class horse racing.
Woodbine Track Details
- Surfaces: 1⅛-mile Tapeta synthetic main track, 1-mile E.P. Taylor turf course, and an inner turf course.
- Configuration: Left-handed oval with a sweeping homestretch, one of the longest in North America.
- Facilities: Modern grandstand, casino, dining options, event spaces, and year-round simulcast wagering.
Woodbine Featured Races & Events
- King’s Plate: Canada’s most prestigious race for 3-year-olds, first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
- Woodbine Mile (G1): World-class turf mile, attracting top international competitors.
- Canadian International (G1): Historic 1½-mile turf race with global participation.
- E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1): Elite turf race for fillies and mares.
- Notable Champions: Northern Dancer, Secretariat, Ghostzapper, Wise Dan, and numerous international turf stars.
Woodbine Horses & Race Types
- Primarily Thoroughbred flat racing.
- Distances: Turf and Tapeta sprints, middle-distance, and long-route races.
- Divisions: Juveniles, Triple Crown hopefuls, turf specialists, fillies, mares, and older horses.
Woodbine History & Legacy
- Founded: The current facility opened in 1956, replacing the original 19th-century track.
- Milestones: Hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 1996, the only Canadian venue to do so.
- Legacy: The centerpiece of Canadian racing and home to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Woodbine Odds & Betting
Woodbine betting odds are available daily on Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta, and multi-race wagers.
The King’s Plate and Woodbine Mile odds are international highlights, drawing massive betting pools.
Betting is available at the track, simulcast outlets, and online sportsbooks like BetUS.
Woodbine Records & Stats
- Fastest King’s Plate: Izvestia (1990) – 2:01 4/5 for 1¼ miles.
- Attendance Record: Over 40,000 for past King’s Plate days.
- Purse Highlights: The King’s Plate purse currently stands at $1 million.
