#HORSERACING: LUSTER DELIVERS INSPIRED PERFORMANCE IN 167TH RUNNING OF THE KING’S PLATE

It was one for the books as the brilliant LUSTER validated her heavy backing at 1-5 odds to take the 167th running of the King’s Plate, North America’s most historic horse race, at Woodbine Racetrack. Bettors were locked-in, wagering a record $1,242,081 on the race, pitting Canada’s top three-year-old horses together for a purse of $1 million at 1 1/4 miles. Total wagering for the day was $14.8 million, the fifth-highest total in event history.

LUSTER was ridden by Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez who drove in from New York for the occasion, taking three races on the card. The Knicks Go filly, co-owned by Gainesway Stable and Andrew Rosen, dominated by 7 1/4 lengths, beating both male and female opponents. This marks trainer Josie Carroll’s third time winning the prestigious affair, and it is noted that the filly is eyeing the Grade I Queen Elizabeth Cup at Keeneland this October. The win boosted her earnings to $925k U.S.

Finishing second in the race was St. Elias Stable and Gary Barber‘s MILITARY TIME, with Paul Ryder’s FIRE AND WINE finishing third at 61-1 odds.

It was a star-studded race card with a total six stakes races contested. Highlights included:

GAS ME UP doubled-up in the Grade II King Edward for Exline-Border Racing, Jawl, Kennedy and Zwiesler. This was an exciting photo finish, but it would be jockey Fraser Aebly’s determined ride that was the deciding factor. Trainer Kevin Attard took five races on the King’s Plate card.

PROCTOR STREET garnered her first graded stakes win in the Grade II Canadian for Brendan Walsh and Owner/Breeder Patricia Moseley, with Pietro Moran up for the win. Moran, who won the King’s Plate last year aboard MANSETTI, took four wins on the card.

Ontario-bred SOUPED UP at age six, notched his first stakes score in the Grade III Bold Venture Stakes under Emma-Jayne Wilson, for Trainer Ron Sadler, and owners Linda Theil and Harri Hosein.

Kevin Attard, owners X-Men Racing and Madaket Stable took both two-year-old stakes on the card. MELONI took the Catch a Glimpse in a sizzling 1:15.6 under John Velazquez. Stablemate DE LA RENTA beat the boys in the Soaring Free in 1:17.1 under
Fraser Aebly.

Photos featured on this thread:

I present to you KING’S PLATE 2026. The thread.

LUSTER became the 40th filly to win North America’s most historic horse race, winning under @ljlmvel in a brisk 2:02.1 by seven lengths. This is @jcarrollracing‘s third Plate and Co-Owners @Gainesway and Andrew Rosen’s first! #KP26 pic.twitter.com/3xBNsaeV8R

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 17, 2026

Our highlight video, taking you right up-close to the action!

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Our look brought to you by SHEIN:

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A bilingual rendition of the National Anthem, performed by Country star Alli Walker:

Saturday, September 12, 2026 is Turf Champions Day at Woodbine Racetrack, headlined by the Grade I Woodbine Mile.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: FIELD SET FOR 2026 KING’S PLATE

Twelve sophomores, including the filly Luster, will contest the $1 million King’s Plate, first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, showcasing an outstanding stakes-filled Saturday card of racing at Woodbine.

The 167th edition of The King’s Plate, North America’s oldest continually run race, contested at 1 ¼ miles on the Woodbine main track, is the first event in the tri-surface series for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds.

Wando, bred and owned by the late Gustav Schickedanz, was the last horse to accomplish the feat, in 2003. The $500,000 Prince of Wales, run at 1 3/16 miles on the dirt at Fort Erie on Sept. 7, is the second leg. The $500,000 Breeders’ Stakes, at 1 ½ miles over the E.P. Taylor turf at Woodbine on Sept. 27, concludes the series. ​

The King’s Plate festivities, including the post-position draw – a “Pick your post” format – were co-hosted by Woodbine TV personality/commentator/handicapper Jeff Bratt and Ignite World Racing host Mark McKelvie, and held on the rooftop of the Woodbine paddock. The event was attended by many of the race’s connections and included remarks from Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment.

This year’s running brings together an intriguing field that features accomplished stakes winners alongside determined longshots, with many of the sport’s leading owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys represented. Luster and Dixie Law, the two fillies in the Plate, will carry 121 pounds under the race’s weight allowance, while all other starters are assigned 126 pounds.

Luster arrives at the Plate off a head-turning triumph in the 1 1/8-mile Woodbine Oaks on July 19, a 5 ½-length romp in a time of 1:50.99.

To be ridden again by John Velazquez, the daughter of Knicks Go out of The Factor mare Ruby Frost is 4-0-1 from five starts for owners Gainesway Stable (Antony Beck) and Andrew Rosen.

Bred by Mr. Ravi Sugrim and Ms. Joannie Dass, Luster won her first two starts, the first at Woodbine in 2025, before winning at Keeneland to launch her 3-year-old campaign and then finishing third in the Ruling Angel Stakes this May.

Trained by Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Josie Carroll, a three-time Plate winner, Luster heads into the “Gallop for the Guineas” off a pair of wins, the Selene Stakes (G3) and Woodbine Oaks.

“I thought she would run really well in it [Woodbine Oaks],” said Josie Carroll. “She’s a very, very athletic horse. She actually exceeded what I expected in that race. Looking at a horse like that, I thought she impressed in that race.”

Brandon Duchaine is the groom.

A son of Good Magic out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Pacific Dancer, Baaeed Alynna is one of two (Very Special is the other) Kevin Attard trainees in this year’s Plate.

The chestnut colt, 1-0-1 from three starts, will contest his third stakes event when he goes into the gate on Saturday. He was sixth in his most recent start, the Plate Trial, on July 19.

“I love the way he goes out and goes about his business,” said Attard, a three-time winner of the Plate, including last year with Mansetti. “Whatever you ask of him, he’s happy to oblige. He is a horse that has a lot of talent. He is lightly raced, but that said, he is showing us every sign that he can handle the Plate distance.” ​

Bred by Saintsbury Farms Inc., Baaeed Alynna is owned by Tagermeen Racing LLC.

Sahin Civaci gets the call.

Beresford Lee is the groom.

Bond Market, fresh off a debut win, is trained by Carlos Grant.

The chestnut gelding lit up the tote board at 45-1 in his 1 ½-length score over 1 mile of Woodbine inner turf on July 5.

A son of Bond Street (IRE) out of the Pulpit mare Champagne Dynasty, Bond Market is bred and owned by Brian O’Leary (Polo Management Services).

“His biggest strength is getting on the track, he loves to be on the track,” said Grant. “From the time he gets on the track, his biggest strength, he loves to do his job, he loves to work, he just loves to get out of the stall and get on the track. He is a competitor and he loves the competition as you can see in his first race.”

Bond Market will be ridden by Xarel Forde, who was aboard for the milestone victory.

Damien Kellman is the groom.

Trained by Julia Carey, Manitoba-bred Brachetto (a red Italian wine grape variety grown predominantly in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy) stamped himself as a top Plate contender after a sharp win in the Marine Stakes (G3) on June 27.

Having reached the podium in all five career starts (2-1-2), the bay colt debuted with a third, then followed it up with a second. His maiden-breaking moment came in his 3-year-old debut when he won a 6-furlong main track race by three-quarters of a length on May 10.

Bred by Dr. Ross McKague, who co-owns with his wife Brenda, Brachetto, should he win on Saturday, would be the first Manitoba-bred to win the Plate.

“Everything is on schedule,” said Carey. “He’s acting well, eating well, and travelling well. He loves to train. I can’t seem to do enough work with him. He’s not a real big, tall horse, but he’s a very well-built horse.”

Ryan Munger will once again ride the son of Vekoma out of the Include mare Colorino.

Gary Sutherland is the groom.

Trained by Dale Desruisseaux (who also sends out Highwaytothemoon) for owner/breeder Garland Willliamson, graded stakes winner Dixie Law is 4-1-1 from eight career starts.

A daughter of Tiz the Law out of the Union Rags mare Bit of Dixie, the bay filly won last year’s Cup & Saucer Stakes and Mazarine Stakes (G3). This year, she took the Ruling Angel and was second in the Woodbine Oaks.

“After the campaign she had last year, we thought she was a good horse, and that, hopefully, she would progress over the winter into her 3-year-old year,” said Desruisseaux. “Based on her first couple of races this year, we think she deserves a chance.”

The 2025 Sovereign Award finalist in the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly category will have the services of Pietro Moran, who rode Mansetti to Plate glory last year. ​

Kyle MacDonald is the groom.

Don Ique, trained by Josie Carroll for owner Mike Cooke, has crafted a 2-0-1 mark from seven starts.

Bred by Jeffrey Yingling, the son of Astern (AUS) out of the Cacique (IRE) mare Iquique (FR) rhymed off two straight wins, one to close out his 2-year-old campaign and the curtain-raiser on his 3-year-old season. The roan colt was a rallying fifth in the Plate Trial on July 19.

“I really had thought we were off the King’s Plate trail with him, but he ran such a nice race there [Plate Trial], he galloped out so strongly that I felt that he deserved to run in the Plate,” said Carroll.

Emma-Jayne Wilson, winner of the 2007 Plate with Mike Fox, will be in the irons.

Mario Williams is the groom.

The field’s most experienced runner, Fire and Wine, 2-0-3 from 10 starts, was the upset winner of last year’s Coronation Futurity Stakes.

Trained by Zeljko Krcmar and owned by Paul Ryder, the son of Lexitonian out of The Factor mare Double Latte broke his maiden in the penultimate start of his rookie season, one race before his 16-1 Coronation Futurity victory.

Bred by James and Janeane Everatt, Arika Meeuse and Robert Marzilli, Fire and Wine will contest his fifth straight stakes engagement.

“He’s going to be in top shape for the Plate,” said Krcmar. “I believe he is in the top shape of his life. He’s good. He’s sound. He’s healthy. He likes to run. He’s brave on the front.”

Jalon Samuel gets the call.

Tafari Chang is the groom.

Trained by Dale Desruisseaux for Niagara Farms (Centennial) Inc., Highwaytothemoon has missed the top three just once in his career (4-1-1 from seven starts).

Bred by James Everatt, Janeane Everatt and Arika Everatt-Meeuse, the son of Ransom the Moon out of the Society’s Chairman mare High Society Gal has won back-to-back stakes, the Queenston and Plate Trial, ahead of the Plate. ​

“He didn’t try to do anything more than we wanted him to,” said Desruisseaux. “In hindsight, that’s probably one of his better attributes where I think he’ll get the extra distance just on that quality alone.”

The bay gelding won his debut last August and finished third in the Simcoe Stakes next time out.

To be ridden by Rafael Hernandez, who has three Plate trophies, Highwaytothemoon will make his sixth stakes start on Saturday.

Robert Martin is the groom.

Trained by Harold Ladouceur, who co-owns with his wife Jessie through their Oh Em Gee Stable, along with Ad Noir, LLC, multiple stakes placed Imyourmedicineman heads into the Plate off a strong runner-up performance in the Plate Trial.

Out of the Silent Name (JPN) mare Silent Sparkle, the bay gelding, 1-2-1 from seven starts, was third in last year’s Coronation Futurity and second in the Plate Trial on July 19.

The son of 2015 Plate winner and multiple graded stakes victor Shaman Ghost broke his maiden in his second start, taking a 1 mile and 70-yard main track maiden optional claimer by 2 ¾ lengths.

“He didn’t run that well his last two starts before the Plate Trial,” noted Harold Ladouceur. “We had to figure things out, get him back, eating the way we wanted, and put proper weight on him. His training was good all along. I think the style that he raced those races wasn’t really what he wanted. He was near the lead, and when it came time to go, he just put his head up and did not want to run. I think he needs to sort of cover it up and take a little bit of a hold, and then let him run, even though he’s sharp out of the gate.”

Imyourmedicineman was bred by John Hyka.

Luis Contreras, who won the 2011 Plate with Inglorious and the 2017 running with Holy Helena, gets the mount.

Jessie Ladouceur is the groom.

Magical Factor, bred and owned by Chiefswood Stables (who won the 2004 Plate with Niigon), heads into the biggest race of his career to date off a second in the Marine Stakes (G3) on June 27.

Under the tutelage of trainer Rachel Halden, the son of multiple graded stakes winner The Factor out of the Malibu Moon mare Think Magic has fashioned a record of 1-2-0 from five starts.

To be ridden by Jose Campos, the bay gelding has finished second in his past two outings after breaking his maiden in a 1 1/16-mile turf race at Keeneland on Apr. 11.

“His races have improved as the year has gone along,” said Halden. “He’s a very good-looking horse; he’s a striking horse. Anybody that sees him for the first time, that is what they’re going to notice.”

Regulo Perez is the groom.

Owned by Gary Barber and St. Elias Stable (Vincent Viola), and trained by Mark Casse, Military Time comes into his fifth stakes affair off a rallying third in the Plate Trial Stakes.

Bred by Adena Springs, the son of Gun Runner out of the Signature Red multiple stakes-winning mare Red Cabernet is 2-2-1 from six starts.

He won at first asking on Aug. 31, 2025, was fifth next time out in the Cup & Saucer Stakes, and second in the Coronation Futurity to complete his 2-year-old campaign.

“The [Plate] distance will probably be an asset to [Military Time] but he’s still not focusing,” said Casse, who has three Plate wins, in 2014 with Lexie Lou, in 2018 with Wonder Gadot and in 2024 with Paramount Prince. “So, we need him just to focus more, but also, like I said, I think more ground will help him.”

Fraser Aebly will be in the irons on Saturday.

Ivan Forde is the groom.

Very Special, trained by Kevin Attard, will look to break his maiden in the Plate.

Sporting a 0-1-2 mark from three starts, the son of Ghostzapper out of the unraced Into Mischief mare Crowning Jewel will make his stakes debut in the $1 million classic.

Bred and owned by Stronach Stables, the bay colt was third in his previous outing, a race in which he hopped at the start and was slammed by an outside rival soon after.

“He rallied well in his first race, fought back to finish second in his next start, and had a less-than-ideal beginning in his most recent performance,” said Attard, who will add blinkers for the Plate. “Obviously, you would like to see a win beside his name, but if he decides to do it in the Plate, we have no problem with that.”

Romero Ramsay Maragh will be aboard.

Mervin Daniel is the groom.

Saturday’s card also features a quintet of stakes: the $200,000 bet365 King Edward (G2T), at 1 mile on the E.P. Taylor turf for 3-year-olds and up; the $200,000 Canadian Stakes Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T), at 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf for fillies & mares 3-year-olds and up; $175,000 Bold Venture Stakes (G3), at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track for 3-year-olds and up; $150,000 bet365 Soaring Free, at 6 ½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf for 2-year-olds; and the $150,000 Catch A Glimpse, at 6 ½ furlongs on the E.P. Taylor turf for 2-year-old fillies.

First post for Saturday is 12:30 p.m. (ET). The national Plate broadcast will be televised on Citytv starting at 4:30 p.m. ET. ​ ​

Biographies for each King’s Plate contender can be found here: woodbine.com/blog/167th-kings-plate-media-guide-2/

For the latest information, fans can follow @WoodbineTB on both X and Instagram, as well as @WoodbineComms on X. ​ ​

Field for the $1 million King’s Plate

Post – Horse – Trainer – Jockey – Morning Line Odds

1 – Luster – Josie Carroll – John Velazquez – 1-1

2 – Fire and Wine – Zeljko Krcmar – Jalon Samuel – 30-1 ​

3 – Baaeed Alynna – Kevin Attard – Sahin Civaci – 30-1 ​

4 – Imyourmedicineman – Harold Ladouceur – Luis Contreras – 20-1

5 – Dixie Law – Dale Desruisseaux – Pietro Moran – 10-1

6 – Don Ique – Josie Carroll – Emma-Jayne Wilson – 30-1 ​

7 – Magical Factor – Rachel Halden – Jose Campos – 10-1 ​

8 – Highwaytothemoon – Dale Desruisseaux – Rafael Hernandez – 6-1 ​

9 – Brachetto – Julia Carey – Ryan Munger – 5-1 ​

10 – Very Special – Kevin Attard – Romero Ramsay Maragh – 30-1 ​

11 – Bond Market – Carlos Grant – Xarel Forde – 30-1

12 – Military Time – Mark Casse – Fraser Aebly – 12-1 ​

#HORSERACING: WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT DONATES TO EURICO ROSA DA SILVA’S EQUINE EXPERIENTIAL CONNECTION PROGRAM

Woodbine Entertainment has proudly named former jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva’s Equine Experiential Connection program the first grant recipient from the new Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund.

The Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, first announced in November 2025, provides micro-grants of up to $5,000 to registered charities in Ontario with 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. ​

The Equine Experiential Connection (EEC) program supports mental health healing by teaching participants to connect emotionally and engage meaningfully with the retired racehorses at LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society. EEC uses Advanced FEEL Facilitators (Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning), who are trained to coach participants to experience the intuitive and loving nature of horses. ​

When former jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva ended his jockey career in 2019, his own mental health struggles led him down the path to discovering how horse therapy can be a valuable tool to aid in psychological and emotional recovery.

Da Silva’s journey to this new role and the impact the EEC program has had so far is documented in the new episode of the third season of Woodbine’s docu-series Free Rein titled “Healing with Horses”.

“Horses have so much power to help us, more than I had ever dreamed,” shared da Silva in the episode. “We’re helping people here with addictions and athletes for performance to name a few. To simply everything, we’re working with the horses to help people with self-growth.”

Woodbine’s Horsepower Fund donation to the EEC program will go toward continued training for instructors, care for the participating horses, and other resources that will grow the program.

To watch the latest episode of Free Rein on YouTube, click here. ​

Learn more about the Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund here.

#HORSERACING: “THRILL OF ASCOT” FOR BEST BUDDIES CANADA JUNE 6, 2026 AT WOODBINE RACETRACK

Get ready for an exciting afternoon at the races filled with energy, entertainment, and community spirit — all in support of Best Buddies Canada, an organization dedicated to creating friendships and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Enjoy an elegant day of live horse racing, raffles, food stations, silent auction, and great company, while helping to make a difference in the lives of others. All proceeds from this event will benefit Best Buddies Canada Friendship Programs.

Location: Woodbine Racetrack: Post Parade Dining RoomThe Post Parade Dining Room is an exclusive dining room located on the top floor of the Clubhouse, directly overlooking the racetrack’s finish line. With amenities including premium food and beverages, excellent views of the track, and first-class service.

Itinerary:

11:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. – Passed Hors D’oeuvres & Cocktails, Silent Auction, Raffle

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Food Stations, Special Guest Speeches, Premium Open Bar

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Live Horse Racing, Sweets and Treats, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages

Dress Code: Classic Ascot.  A celebration of timeless fashion and spirited fun.

More here on tickets and packages.

#HORSERACING: 167th RUNNING OF KING’S PLATE WILL TAKE PLACE AUGUST 16, 2026

Woodbine Entertainment today announced that the 167th running of The King’s Plate will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Woodbine Racetrack.

Steeped in royal history, The King’s Plate is Canada’s most prestigious horse race and the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. The iconic Plate is North America’s oldest continuously race stakes race and is contested for a purse of $1 million.

Known as one of Toronto’s can’t-miss summer events, The King’s Plate celebrates world class horse racing, fashion, food, entertainment and more, all on one memorable day at Woodbine Racetrack.

Tickets for The King’s Plate will go on sale on Friday, March 6.

More event information including ticket types will be available at KingsPlate.com the week tickets go on sale. ​

For the latest news and updates on everything Woodbine, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB on X, Instagram and Facebook.

#HORSERACING: NEW “BEYOND THE TRACK” WEBSERIES

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)

#HORSERACING: WOODBINE CARES HORSEPOWER FUND LAUNCH

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 ​

#HORSERACING: MANSETTI DELIVERS IN THE 166TH RUNNING OF THE KING’S PLATE

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:

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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!

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

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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?

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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)

#HORSERACING: WOODBINE ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH HELMETS FOR HARDHATS

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

#HORSERACING: NEW METROLINX GO STATION TO BE DEVELOPED AT WOODBINE RACETRACK

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.

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