Toronto — Woodbine Entertainment Group declared Wednesday that the $1-million King's Plate will launch the 2024 Canadian Triple Crown on August 17.
The King's Plate holds the distinction of being North America's longest continuously held race. It will be the highlight of Woodbine's 2024 meet, which spans from April 27 to December 15, encompassing a total of 129 race dates.
The second stage of the Canadian thoroughbred racing Triple Crown will be the $400,000 Prince of Wales at Fort Erie Racetrack on September 10. The concluding event will be the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine on September 29.
Wando, ridden by jockey Patrick Husbands, clinched the last Canadian Triple Crown victory in 2003.
The 2024 meet will showcase 38 graded stakes races. The $1-million Woodbine Mile is scheduled for September 14 and will be part of a card hosting four Grade 1 events, including the $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes, $500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes, and $500,000 bet365 Summer Stakes.
Winners of the Mile, Natalma, and Summer Stakes will all earn automatic entries to the Breeders' Cup.
Yet, the Canadian International Stakes will not take place this year.
The $500,000 Woodbine Oaks, the opening leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, is set for July 20 at Woodbine. Alongside, the $150 Plate Trial will be featured on the same card, as both races serve as vital preparation events for the King's Plate.
The remaining races of the Triple Tiara include the $250,000 Bison City Stakes on August 10 and the $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes on September 8.
This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on March 6, 2024.