Canada prominent racecourses

Canada boasts a rich heritage in horse racing.

One of the key (if not the most significant) racecourses there is Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, which hosts several major races. The Queen’s Plate, the oldest continuously run race in North America dating back to 1860, is Canada’s most prestigious horse race and is held at Woodbine. This track also hosts the Breeders’ Stakes, part of the Canadian Triple Crown series, which is a turf race testing the stamina and skill of three-year-old thoroughbreds. Additionally, Woodbine features the Canadian International Stakes, a Grade 1 flat horse race for thoroughbreds three years and older, running over a distance of 1.5 miles.

However, we have a list of the most interesting racecourses in Canada - not to be biased, but prepared 

Woodbine Racetrack

Woodbine Racetrack, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is one of the country's premier horse racing venues. It opened on June 12, 1956, and has undergone significant remodelling since 1993. The racetrack originally featured a one-mile oval dirt track and a seven-eighths turf course. It now includes three racecourses and has been the host of Canada's most famous race, the King's Plate. The outermost E.P. Taylor turf course is 1.5 miles long and was completed in 1994. Inside it lies the one-mile synthetic course for Thoroughbreds, with a surface of Tapeta since April 9, 2016. The innermost oval, initially a 7/8-mile grass oval, was converted to a second turf course for the 2019 thoroughbred racing season. Woodbine's design includes a grandstand intended to bring spectators close to the finish line, and the facility also houses the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

• Location: Toronto, Ontario
• Opening Year: 1956
• Track Types: Includes a 1.5-mile E.P. Taylor turf course and a one-mile synthetic course for Thoroughbreds.
• Capacity: Not specified
• Major Races: Hosts the Queen's Plate, the oldest continuously run race in North America, along with Breeders' Stakes and Canadian International Stakes.
• Interesting Fact: This premier track is home to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, celebrating the history and heritage of the sport in Canada.

Fort Erie Racetrack

Fort Erie Race Track, located in Ontario, Canada, opened its doors on June 16, 1897. The first race was won by a horse named Ellesmere. This track is renowned for its picturesque setting and has hosted several memorable moments in Canadian horse racing history. It features a one-mile main dirt track and a seven-furlong inner turf course. Fort Erie is also known for hosting the Prince of Wales Stakes, a significant event in the Canadian Triple Crown series, introduced in 1959 by E.P. Taylor. This racecourse has been a platform for many legendary horses, including Northern Dancer, who began his impressive career here. The track can accommodate about 4,000 spectators, making it an intimate venue for horse racing enthusiasts. 

• Location: Fort Erie, Ontario
• Opening Year: 1897
• Track Types: Features a one-mile main dirt track and a seven-furlong inner turf course.
• Capacity: Approximately 4,000 spectators
• Major Races: Known for the Prince of Wales Stakes, a key event in the Canadian Triple Crown.
• Interesting Fact: Its scenic beauty and rich traditions make it one of North America's most picturesque racetracks.

Hastings Racecourse

Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a historical horse-racing facility that opened its doors in 1889. Originally known as East Park, it is Vancouver's longest continuously used professional sports facility. The racecourse is a flat, five-furlong track known for hosting several notable races, including the Lieutenant Governor's Stakes, British Columbia Derby, British Columbia Premier's Handicap, Ballerina Stakes, British Columbia Oaks, Fantasy Stakes, and Ascot Graduation Stakes. Owned by Great Canadian Entertainment, Hastings Racecourse has been an integral part of Vancouver's sporting history for over a century.

• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
• Opening Year: 1889
• Track Type: A flat five-furlong track.
• Capacity: Not specified
• Major Races: Hosts the British Columbia Derby and Lieutenant Governor's Stakes.
• Interesting Fact: As Vancouver's longest continuously used professional sports facility, it has a storied history in Canadian sports.

Ajax Downs

Ajax Downs, located in Ajax, Ontario, Canada, opened in 1969 under the name "Picov Downs." It was renamed to Ajax Downs in 2006 when a new slot-machine gaming facility was established. The racetrack features a full 6 furlongs (approximately 1.2 km) oval track, which was completed in 2009. This venue is particularly noted for Quarter Horse racing and has been a significant part of the Canadian horse racing scene since its inception. Ajax Downs is also home to many stakes races, including the richest Quarter horse race in Canada, the Alex Picov Memorial. The track is operated by the Picov family and the casino by Great Canadian Entertainment. 

• Location: Ajax, Ontario
• Opening Year: 1969 (originally as Picov Downs)
• Track Type: Features 6 furlongs (1.2 km) oval racetrack.
• Capacity: Not specified
• Major Races: Hosts the Alex Picov Memorial, Canada's richest Quarter horse race.
• Interesting Fact: Specializes in Quarter Horse racing, with a history tied to the Picov family's passion for the breed.

Century Downs

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino, located near Calgary in Alberta, Canada, first opened in April 2015. This venue is distinguished as one of Alberta's two "A-level" horse racing tracks. It offers a flat dirt course of 5+1/2 furlongs and hosts Standardbred, quarterhorse, chuckwagon, and thoroughbred racing. Century Downs plays a vital role in bringing live horse racing back to the Calgary area and is a hub for various significant horse racing events throughout the year.

• Location: Near Calgary, Alberta
• Opening Year: Not specified
• Track Types: A hub for Standardbred races.
• Capacity: Not specified
• Major Races: Became the new venue for the Canadian Derby.
• Interesting Fact: Revived live horse racing in the Calgary area after a hiatus.

Each of these tracks, with their unique histories and features, showcases the diversity and excitement of horse racing in Canada. From the historic grounds of Woodbine and Fort Erie to the more recent developments at Century Downs, these venues continue to foster the spirit of horse racing across the nation.