Notable Speech's impressive victory in the Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T) highlighted a strong Turf Champions Day for Woodbine Entertainment.
Turf Champions Day featured three Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In races. All three races were held on Woodbine's inner turf course for the first time due to the E. P. Taylor Turf Course renovation project.
An all-sources handle of $13,026,804 (All figures CA$) ranks the 2025 edition among the top-five Woodbine Mile day handles. The Woodbine Mile race generated $2.1 million in wagering, a 23% increase from the 2024 race.
Among the other wagering highlights was a 64% increase in the Natalma Stakes (G1T) ($1,688,101 vs $1,030,495), a 43% increase in handle for the Summer Stakes (G1T) ($2,088,730 vs $1,455,862), and a record pick-5 pool of $631,211.
The grade 1 contests provided competitive and strong races around the seven-furlong course, which has similar dimensions to the turf course at Del Mar, which hosts this year's Breeders' Cup.
Woodbine's focus on new and innovative wagers saw the introduction of the Global Grade 1 Pick-5, which linked Woodbine's three grade 1 turf races with the St. Leger Stakes (G1) at Doncaster and the Irish Champions Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown.
"Turf Champions Day is one of the most important showcases of our world-class racing program, and this year's results reflect the strength and excitement of the product we are delivering in partnership with our racing community," Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland said. "From strong wagering and international participation to the success of our new global wagers, we are proud to see Woodbine firmly positioned on the international racing stage. I want to thank our horse racing community, fans, and customers whose support and passion continue to elevate this event and the sport of horse racing in Canada."
Notable Speech captured the $1,064,500 Woodbine Mile to give his connections of Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby, and jockey William Buick their third Mile win in the last four years. The previous two Woodbine Mile winners for the group went on to win the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T).
Argos won a thrilling edition of Summer Stakes for owner David Romanik, trainer Riley Mott, and jockey Flavien Prat to punch their ticket to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. (G1T)
Glenn Sikura and Mario Serrani's Corsia Veloce prevailed in the Natalma Stakes for trainer Josie Carroll and Fraser Aebly. The locally trained 2-year-old has now secured a spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).
The 2025 Breeders' Cup will be held Oct. 31- Nov. 1 at Del Mar.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
