Horse racing is brought to life by the people whose passion, dedication, and love for horses shape every moment on and off the track. As part of Woodbine Cares: For the Love of the Horse Racing Community, Woodbine Entertainment has launched Beyond the Track, a video series that highlights the individuals and programs that form the heart of Woodbine’s racing community. Throughout the 2025 season, the series has taken fans behind the scenes to share authentic stories of the people who make racing meaningful.

The newest episode spotlights track announcer Robert Geller, who has been the voice of Woodbine since 2015. Born in England and raised in Australia, Geller reflects on the privilege and responsibility of calling races, sharing insights into the craft and the spontaneity that brings each moment to life.

“So much of being able to bring the race call to life is being connected to the experience, and that connection doesn’t always happen instantly. It’s the thrill of the race that allows you to sort of discover something,” Geller explains. “I remember the Alywow stakes years ago as they went to the wire, I said the horse put the ‘wow’ in the Alywow. I didn’t even know what I was saying and I was so happy with that.”

Watch Robert Geller’s episode on YouTube here.

Earlier installments of Beyond the Track highlight the everyday experiences and extraordinary commitment of the people who form the backbone of Woodbine.

The first episode features groom Alexa Wisnoski, offering a heartfelt look at life on the backstretch and the passion that led her to pursue a career working hands-on with horses.

“This has to be in my blood. I’ve wanted to do this since I was a kid,” Wisnoski says. “I am very lucky that I get to say I get to work with horses all day and that it’s my job.”

Watch Groom Alexa Wisnoski’s episode on YouTube here.

The second episode explores the Woodbine Cares Community Garden, a 20,000-square-foot vegetable garden adjacent to the racetrack. Woodbine’s Manager of Stabling, Tamera Dadswell, shares the impact of providing fresh, weekly produce to the backstretch community.

“[Our backstretch community] has so much passion and love for the horses,” Dadswell explains. “So because they work so hard, it’s just a little piece that hopefully we can give back to them to say ‘thank you for what you do.’”

Watch the Community Garden episode on YouTube here.

In the third episode, Woodbine CEO Michael Copeland visits the Hillsburgh, Ontario farm of the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, where chair and co-founder Vicki Pappas discusses the organization’s dedication to providing former racehorses with loving homes and second careers.

“To see [the horses] here after having given so much to racing, and for us to be able to give a little bit back to them is a wonderful opportunity,” Copeland shares.

Watch the LongRun episode on YouTube here.

Grounded in the values of Woodbine Cares: For the Love of the Horse Racing Community, the Beyond the Track series celebrates the people and programs that enrich the racing community and offers fans a deeper appreciation of the passion, care, and purpose that extend far beyond the Woodbine finish line.

Additional episodes will be released in the new year.

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group/Michael Burns)

Woodbine Entertainment is proud to announce the launch of the Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, a new grant program designed to support charities and not-for-profit organizations that champion horse welfare and strengthen the bond between horses and people.

Through the Horsepower Fund, local registered charities and not-for-profits across Ontario can apply for micro-grants of up to $5,000. These grants are intended to fuel initiatives that help people connect with horses through education, hands-on care, or innovative programs that highlight the extraordinary role horses play in our lives and in the racing community.

Eligibility

Applicants to the Horsepower Fund must:

-Be a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or a registered not-for-profit.
-Be located within the local communities surrounding Woodbine Racetrack or Woodbine Mohawk Park.
-Demonstrate a clear focus on equine welfare.
-Provide evidence of strong fiscal management and governance practices (audited statements may be required).
-Have submitted final reports from previous years if a prior recipient.

Eligible charities can apply online here: https://form.jotform.com/251273988732266 ​

It was a smashing day of racing at Woodbine Racetrack this past Saturday as North America’s most historic race, the 166th running of the King’s Plate took place, drawing a full house that witnessed MANSETTI upset the $1 million race in thrilling near wire-to-wire fashion.

What makes it even more impressive is that 20-year-old apprentice jockey Pietro Moran guided the victory for son and father duo Al & Bill Ulwelling, and Team Kevin Attard, who also won last year’s edition with filly CAITLINHERGRTNESS. Attard achieved a rare three-peat, winning three stakes on the card. It is reported that the senior Ulwelling had suffered a mild heart attack watching the race, but is now reported to be doing well. Moran, also was competing in the race with his father David, who rode eighth-place finisher WILLIAM T. It is said that this is historic first for a father and son both to be riding in the race.

Named after a Minnesota pizza shop, MANSETTI delivered for his backers with $38.70 on a $2 wager, keeping a fast-closing TOM’S MAGIC in second, with post-time favourite NOTORIOUS GANGSTER racing third. The score boosts the winner’s lifetime earnings to $689,872 in eight starts. The first runner-up is being pointed to the final jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes on September 28, 2025 at Woodbine.

$17,004,451 was bet on the card, an impressive number for the extended 13-race card which featured a whopping six stake races.

Other highlights include:

SHE FEELS PRETTY winning one of the meet’s marquee races, the Grade I E.P. Taylor, making her a perfect two-for-two at Woodbine, taking the Grade I Natalma here as a two-year-old for Lael Stables and top trainer Cherie DeVaux. John Velazquez re-teamed with her for the win, which earns her a spot in this Fall’s Breeders’ Cup. The remarkable Karakontie filly now has banked over $2.2 million.

GAS ME UP was full of fuel in the Grade II King Edward for Team Kevin Attard driving up to win under Flavien Prat for owners Ex-line Border Racing, Jawl, Kennedy & Ziesler. The five-year-old son of Hard Spun is proof of iconic Sam-Son Farm‘s lasting quality in breeding.

SIMCOE dominated the Grade III Bold Venture, one of two stakes scores that day for Rafael Hernandez, riding for Chiefswood Stable and Team Katerina Vassilieva. This marks the Uncle Mo gelding’s first stakes win.

TWO OUT HERO confirms the promise showed in his impressive debut, taking the Soaring Free for Gold Square LLC and Team Kevin Attard with Hernandez up. This was his groom Elaine’s first stakes winner ever. The War Front colt is being pointed to the Grade I Summer Stakes next month, a Breeders’ Cup Win-and-You’re-In race.

CORSIA VELOCE is a perfect two-for-two, like Two Out Hero after a win in the Catch a Glimpse Stakes for
Glenn Sikura (Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm) and Mario Serrani. Fraser Aebly was aboard the filly for the win, and she is conditioned by Team Josie Carroll. The promising Practical Joke filly looks Natalma Stakes-bound next month.

Photos on this X thread.

Video highlights, including beautiful sights and sounds of the day:

There were so many amazing activations on the day, including an installation by Coolab at the Hats & Horseshoes Party for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRANDE FINALE, in theatres September 12, 2025 via Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada! Invited guests enjoyed a lavender-licious Downton Martini inside the Paddock Party!

… and for everyone asking, beanie and I both were styled by SHEIN. Was stopped several times throughout the day about this!

Also, don’t forget to check-out our appearance on America’s Best Racing Live! (36-minute mark):

Did you also see who was in attendance?

The second jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes, runs at Fort Erie on September 4, 2025.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Woodbine Entertainment is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Helmets to Hardhats (H2H), a national non-profit organization that provides opportunities for Canadian Veterans, Reservists, Cadets, and their families to find meaningful, unionized careers in the skilled trades.

Through this multi-year partnership, Woodbine is moving forward to formally become an H2H Employer. Job opportunities from Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park will be posted on helmetstohardhats.ca, where Veterans can explore and apply for positions in the organization, which will help build a dedicated workforce that supports the horse racing industry in Ontario.

In addition to creating employment pathways, the partnership helps raise awareness of Helmets to Hardhats’ mission among thousands of racing fans each year. At select race days, H2H Veterans participate as Honourary Starters, where they sound the bugle to call horses to the post and are recognized for their service both on-site and through Woodbine.com and Woodbine’s social media channels.

“We are honoured to work alongside Helmets to Hardhats to help support those who have served Canada in uniform as they transition to meaningful civilian careers,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “This partnership is a natural fit for us, connecting the Canadian military community to exciting career opportunities at Woodbine Entertainment while also introducing our racing audiences to the important work H2H does across the country.”

“Helmets to Hardhats is proud to continue our relationship with Woodbine Entertainment,” said James Hogarth, National Executive Director. “Their commitment to hiring Veterans, reservists, senior cadets and military family members and raising awareness of our mission helps make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served.”

For more information on Helmets to Hardhats or how you can support their mission, visit helmetstohardhats.ca

A new Metrolinx GO Station at Woodbine Racetrack will anchor one of Canada’s most ambitious urban developments — a vibrant, transit-connected urban centre in northwest Toronto that will deliver tens of thousands of new homes, jobs, and economic opportunities. Centered around the historic racetrack, the project will also create new revenue streams to support horse racing, a sport with a 250-year history in Canada.

Situated on 684 acres of land — the largest undeveloped parcel of land remaining in the City of Toronto — the project will bring new life to Rexdale through smart, sustainable design, all anchored by the world-class racetrack and Canada’s longest continuously run sporting event, the King’s Plate.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create something truly special for Toronto,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “At the heart of this new urban centre will be Woodbine Racetrack, a cultural landmark that will now also serve as the centrepiece of a thriving, inclusive and connected city within a city.”

The project will be unlocked by Woodbine Entertainment’s committed partnership with Metrolinx and $170 million investment towards the new GO Transit station on the Kitchener Line. The station will be less than 30 minutes from Union Station and will seamlessly connect with UP Express and Pearson International Airport, making Rexdale a transit hub for the first time in its history and unlocking new economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

The new urban centre will take shape over the next 25 years, supporting an estimated 43,000 construction jobs — helping address housing affordability and employment needs in one of Toronto’s most underserved areas.

The development will include affordable housing, including new accommodations to replace the existing dormitories for backstretch workers who care for the 1,700 horses stabled at Woodbine, further weaving the legacy and future of horse racing into the fabric of the community.

Woodbine Entertainment, which operates like a not-for-profit corporation, will develop and retain ownership of the land and explore strategic joint ventures to generate ongoing revenue that will continue to support horse racing in Ontario. But for residents and visitors, the promise of the project is about much more.

“This isn’t just about building housing. It’s about creating a complete community, a connected urban centre, with culture, entertainment, green space and horse racing at the heart of it all,” added Copeland. “On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, I want to sincerely thank Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario, including Minister Sarkaria, Minister Surma, and their dedicated teams, as well as Mayor Chow, Councillor Crisanti and City of Toronto staff for helping bring this bold vision to life.”

About Woodbine Entertainment

Woodbine Entertainment is Canada’s largest horse racing operator, offering premier Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and Standardbred racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park in Milton. We also own and operate HPIbet, the country’s only dedicated horse racing wagering platform. Home to iconic events like The King’s Plate, the Pepsi North America Cup and multiple Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, our venues host some of the sport’s most prestigious moments. As an organization that operates like a not-for-profit without share capital, Woodbine reinvests all profits into the horse racing industry, supporting upwards of 25,000 jobs across Ontario and helping secure a sustainable future for the sport.

Stay up to date on all the news and information for Woodbine Racetrack by bookmarking and following our websites and social feeds.

Website: Woodbine.com
​X (Woodbine Racetrack): @WoodbineTB
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The King’s Plate returns to Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for its 166th running. Get ready to secure your tickets this Thursday, March 6 on Ticketmaster and KingsPlate.com.

The King’s Plate is Toronto’s can’t-miss event of the summer, where the most prestigious horse race in Canada is celebrated with a thrilling day filled with fashion, food, betting, and exclusive experiences.

Steeped in royal history, The King’s Plate has been named in honour of the reigning monarch since its inception in 1860. The Canadian-bred Thoroughbred to win the $1 million (CAD) race also receives a symbolic fifty guineas from Buckingham Palace.

Ranelle Larocque of Queen Bee Millinery ​ will once again share her hat and fascinator creations and race day style advice this year as The Official Milliner of The King’s Plate. ​ General Admission tickets, starting at only $35, include grandstand and apron access, and entry to the Hats & Horseshoes Party that features live music, photo ops, and more.

Premium dining, party, and trackside reserved packages are available in limited quantities. Details can be viewed on Kingsplate.com, and waitlist space can be reserved via kp.reservations@woodbine.com. ​ Keep an eye on Woodbine’s social media channels for all King’s Plate updates: @WoodbineTB on X, Instagram, and Facebook. ​

Woodbine Entertainment has announced its award-winning docuseries Free Rein, featuring the elite competitors of Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Racing, will return for a second season beginning January 10. ​

Free Rein brings viewers into the races and behind the scenes to follow leading jockeys and trainers on their quests to capture the country’s most prestigious racing titles. ​

The fourth episode of Free Rein’s first season, The World-Class Women of Woodbine, was recognized with a 2024 Hashtag Sports Award. The episode, featuring world-leading female jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson, focuses on the strong presence of women and the unique way that men and women compete alongside one another in horse racing. Other award-finalists included the LPGA, Fox Sports, PUMA, Clemson Athletics and The Players’ Tribune.

“Creating high-quality and accessible content about horse racing, like Free Rein, is crucial to the growth of the sport,” said Woodbine-based trainer Santino Di Paola. “I’d love to see more young people interested in racing, and this is the way to connect with them.”

In the second season of Free Rein, viewers will be captivated by the stories of the rise of Pietro Moran as he follows in his father’s jockey footsteps, Ryan and Kelsey Munger’s passion-driven move to Toronto from South Africa, and a behind-the-scenes look at an unprecedented King’s Plate Day.

“The passion and grit required to find success in horse racing makes for so many compelling stories,” shared Free Rein producer Alanna Nolan. “Our team is so proud to share these stories with both our new and well-acquainted audiences.”

The first episode of Free Rein season 2 will be released on YouTube on January 10. Five more episodes will follow, releasing every three weeks. Stream Free Rein for free on Woodbine’s new YouTube page dedicated solely to storytelling that brings fans closer to the action. Be sure to subscribe: YouTube.com/WoodbineEntertainmentCA ​

Watch the teaser for Free Rein season 2 here:

(Photo/video credit: Woodbine Entertainment Group)

In a mild upset, CAITLINHERGRTNESS surged past heavy favourite MY BOY PRINCE late to take the 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate, the race formerly known as the Queen’s Plate. The lone filly in the race was coming into the race off an improving second in July’s Woodbine Oaks against female company. She becomes the 39th filly to win either the King or Queen’s Plate. This proves that you can’t have a King’s Plate without a Queen!

She was a late addition to the race for owners Siena Farm and Winstar Farm, made eligible via the payment of a supplement fee. Ridden by Rafael Hernandez, who guided her Kevin Attard stablemate MOIRA to victory in the same race back in 2022, CAITLINHERGRTNESS certainly is living-up to her name.

The 3/4 length victory was clocked at 2:03.4 for the 1 1/4 mile distance, with MY BOY PRINCE finishing second, and his Mark Casse stablemate MIDNIGHT MASCOT taking third. A $2 bet on her to win rewarded backers with $20.70.

The King’s Plate was the highlight of Friday’s race card at Woodbine Racetrack, an unusual move to place the season’s marquee race on a weekday. The race was to take place Saturday, August 17, 2024, only to be postponed after a torrential downpour which made track conditions unsafe to run what is known as North America’s most historic race.

Other major winners of the day included:

FILO DI ARIANNA taking the Grade II King Edward under Sahin Civaci for Wachtel Stable, Peter Deutsch and Gary Barber. The talented eight-year-old gelding won the same race back in 2022, continuing to show amazing consistency and resilience for trainer Mark Casse. He is being pointed towards September’s Grade I Woodbine Mile next.

PATCHES O’HOULIAN winning the Bold Venture Stakes a second time. The reigning champion sprinter was late to start his 2024 campaign but has been flawless thus far, doubling-up following a win in the Pink Lloyd Stakes (a race named a horse owned and trained by his connections) late July under Sofia Vives, for owner Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr. and trainer Bob Tiller.

SHIFTY broke her maiden in style on her second try, winning under Sahin Civaci for trainer Mark Casse and owner DJ Stable. The race is seen as a stepping stone to September’s Grade I fixture, the Natalma Stakes.

CAIRO CAPER scoring in the Soaring Free Stakes under Jose Luis Campos. He is trained by Nathan Squires and owned by William B. Thompson. He very much echoes CAIRO CONSORT, champion two-year-old filly of 2022 (also by stallion Cairo Prince), while owned and trained by the same connections as she. He is being pointed to the Grade I Summer Stakes next month.

Some Videos highlighting the King’s Plate ’24:

The second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown takes place September 10, 2024 at Fort Erie Racetrack.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Woodbine Entertainment and Rogers Sports & Media today announced they have entered into a multi-year media rights agreement for Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race, The King’s Plate. This new media rights partnership will provide fans with an extensive lineup of live premier horse racing from around the world, offering more opportunities to enjoy the sport than ever before.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sportsnet and Citytv to deliver The King’s Plate – one of our country’s longest and most storied sporting traditions – and premier racing from Woodbine and around the world to sports fans across Canada,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Through this new partnership we see an exciting opportunity to grow our sport and we look forward to working with Sportsnet to deepen sports fans’ connections and engagement with racing.”

As part of the agreement, the 165th Kings Plate on Saturday, August 17 will air on both Sportsnet and Citytv, and stream on Sportsnet+ and Citytv+. The second and third legs of the Canadian Triple Crown – The Prince of Wales Stakes (run at Fort Erie Race Track on Tuesday, September 10) and the Breeders’ Stakes (Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, September 29) – will also air on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

In addition, fans can watch the following races from Woodbine Racetrack on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+: Woodbine Oaks presented by Stella Artois (Saturday, July 20), Greenwood Stakes (Saturday, September 7), Turf Champions Day (Saturday, September 14) which features the newly named Rogers Woodbine Mile, and Turf Finals Day (Saturday, October 5), featuring the Neartic Stakes and bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes. Select international races will also air on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, Citytv, and Citytv+.

Woodbine today released the latest nomination numbers for The King’s Plate and Woodbine Oaks presented by Stella Artois. We are one step closer to North America’s most historic horse race and Canada’s premier race for three-year-old fillies.

Following the original subscriptions in April, the connections of nominated horses were required to submit an additional payment by June 5, 2024, to remain eligible to either race.

The 165^th King’s Plate, to be contested on Saturday, August 17, had 52 Canadian bred three-year-olds remain eligible, plus one supplement, to bring the total number of nominees to 53.

The Woodbine Oaks, to be run on Saturday, July 20, has 34 Canadian bred three-year-old fillies nominated, plus one supplement, for a total of 35.

To view the full list of King’s Plate nominees, click here.

To view the full list of Woodbine Oaks nominees, click here.

For the latest news and information, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB and @WoodbineComms on X.