Woodbine announced March 4 its stakes schedule for the 2026 Thoroughbred racing season, set to kick off on April 18.
Woodbine's stakes slate is highlighted by two CA$1 million races: The 167th King's Plate Aug.15, and Woodbine Mile (G1T) Sept. 12. The full stakes schedule consists of 39 graded stakes, including five grade 1s.
"We're very proud of our stakes program at Woodbine and eagerly anticipate a season filled with outstanding competition," said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. "We look forward to welcoming our racing community and fans back to the track on April 18 for the start of another exciting racing season."
The Canadian Triple Crown for 3-year-olds foaled in Canada begins with the 167th running of The King's Plate, followed by the Prince of Wales Stakes on Monday, Sept 7 at Fort Erie Race Track, and the Breeders' Stakes on Sunday, September 27 at Woodbine.
The renovation of Woodbine's outer E.P. Taylor Turf Course, which prompted adjustments to last year's stakes calendar, remains on schedule for completion by September. This will allow Woodbine's marquee turf events to be contested on the world-renowned turf course once again. It was run on the inner turf last fall.
Turf Champions Day on Saturday, Sept. 12, will put the eyes of the racing world on Woodbine with four grade 1 Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races. The "all-star" race card is headlined by the CA$1 million Woodbine Mile (G1T), CA$750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), CA $500,000 Natalma Stakes (G1T), and the CA$500,000 Summer Stakes (G1T).
With the E.P. Taylor Stakes moving to September, this year's Turf Champions Day will mark the first time Woodbine will host four Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races on the same card.
The CA$750,000 Canadian International (G1T) will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the traditional distance of 1 1/2 miles on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course.
The CA$500,000 Woodbine Oaks is set for Sunday, July 19. The Oaks serves as the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara for Canadian-foaled 3-year-old fillies, followed by the CA$250,000 Bison City Stakes on August 8 and the CA$250,000 Wonder Where Stakes on Sept. 6.
The Canada Day Racing Festival returns as one of the season's significant days, taking place Saturday, June 28. The card will include five graded stakes, led by the Nassau Stakes (G2T) and the Highlander Stakes (G2T). The full stakes schedule is posted online.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
