On Wednesday, Woodbine will draw the first of its 129 racing cards, and to kick things off, there should be some exciting races.
The first of Woodbine's 129 race dates this year will see entries chosen on Wednesday, and based on the excitement, field size shouldn't be a problem for the Saturday and Sunday programmes.
Two stakes races for three-year-olds that could feature a King's Plate or Woodbine Oaks contender or two in the fields will surely pique the curiosity of ardent racing fans on opening weekend. On Saturday, there's the 6-furlong Star Shoot for fillies, and on Sunday, there's Woodstock.
It is anticipated that several American stables, including Arnaud Delacour and Saffie Joseph Jr., will be drawn to both races.
Due to a ban from late last year, Canada's Sovereign Award-winning jockey Kazushi Kimura will miss the first three days of competition. Kimura is also getting ready to mount T O Password, a Japanese colt, for his second Kentucky Derby ride.
There is no lack of riders for early Woodbine, just as there was last year, and over six apprentice riders are ready to go to work.
There's a new tote board at Woodbine, and this year the Turf Lounge—not to be confused with the track's famed Turf Lounge on Bay Street from a few years ago—will open where the Favourites dining room once stood.
Schedule of events for the stakes: The 165th running of the venerable King's Plate is set on Saturday, August 17, 2024. The coveted $1 million classics at Woodbine are the King's Plate and the Woodbine Mile. There are 38 graded stakes events total in the entire stakes program, including four Grade 1 races.
The 2024 Canadian Triple Crown will get underway on Saturday, August 17, with the 165th King's Plate. Tuesday, September 10 at Fort Erie Race Track is the $400,000 Prince of Wales, and on Sunday, September 29 at Woodbine, the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes will bring the Triple Crown to an end.
On Saturday, September 14, Woodbine will host Canada's most lucrative racing day, drawing attention from race lovers all around the world.
On September 14, the Grade 1 $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes, Grade 1 $500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes, and Grade 1 $500,000 bet365 Summer Stakes will be held in addition to the Woodbine Mile.
Traditionally, the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series "Win and You're In" includes the Woodbine Mile, Johnnie Walker Natalma, and bet365 Summer. The 2023 date of the E.P. Taylor Stakes has been pushed forward by three weeks to coincide with the exceptional turf showcase.