Woodbine ready to start 2025 Thoroughbred Season
At 1h05, on April 23, 2025 • By Woodbine
Woodbine Entertainment is set to launch its 70th Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, this Saturday, April 26.
The 2025 season at Woodbine will consist of 128 race dates and runs from April 26 through December 14.
“We’re ready to get this season underway,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine. “There is a renewed sense of excitement and momentum across our entire community, and we expect this to be another memorable racing season.”
The new season is highlighted by the 166th running of the $1 million King’s Plate on Saturday, August 16. This year’s King’s Plate Day also features the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1), which will be making its debut as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” race.
Woodbine’s three additional Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series races, the Rogers Woodbine Mile (G1), Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1), and bet365 Summer Stakes (G1) will be showcased on September 13 for Turf Champions Day.
The stakes calendar includes the much-anticipated return of the $750,000 Canadian International (G1) on October 4.
The Woodbine backstretch has been a hotbed of activity in the lead up to opening day. Top trainer Kevin Attard posted 80 wins during the 2024 meet and is poised for another big season.
“You always want to set the bar higher and chase those big wins,” said Attard. “Whether it’s young horses just starting out or others that are a year older and a year wiser, there is always a feeling of excitement whenever you walk into the barn.”
For the beginning of the meet, live racing will be held on Saturdays and Sundays. Fridays will be added to the live racing schedule starting May 16, and Thursdays will be added starting May 22.
Post time for Saturday’s opening day is 1:05 p.m.
