Woodbine Racetrack is a thoroughbred horse racing venue in the Etobicoke district of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. The facility is owned by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, which was previously known as Ontario Jockey Club.
Woodbine Racetrack is home to some of the most esteemed horse racing events in Canada, including the famous Queen’s Plate, a Group 1 1.25 mile race reserved for 3-year-old Canadian-bred horses that is 162 years old.
Here is a brief insight to Woodbine Racetrack, including its history and racecourse facilities.
Woodbine Racetrack History
The original Woodbine course was located on the southern edge of Woodbine Avenue in Toronto and remained there from 1874 to 1993. The racecourse was managed by the OJC (Ontario Jockey Club).
In the 1950s, the Ontario Jockey Club, under the supervision of the business tycoon E.P. Taylor set out to become the biggest horse racing company in the region and began a series of acquisitions and mergers.
Several racecourse facilities were acquired as part of this drive; some were closed while others were renovated. All these efforts were made to develop a splendid track that would be unparalleled.
In 1952, the Ontario Jockey Club purchased over 160 hectares of land at Highway 27 in the eastern part of Toronto. The new racecourse was opened on 12th June 1956 and was named the New Woodbine Racetrack. In 1963, the New was dropped from the name, and it was named Woodbine Racetrack.
At the same time, the old track was named the Old Woodbine track and was declared a combined facility for standard-bred and thoroughbred horse racing. It is referred to as Greenwood Raceway during standard-bred events, while during thoroughbred racing events, it is referred to as Greenwood Racetrack. The names were allotted as the previous meets at Greenwood were shifted to the new Woodbine in 1994, which was previously reserved for thoroughbred races only.
Famous racing events at Woodbine Racetrack
Woodbine Racetrack has historic significance as its home to some of the most renowned racing events. It was the venue for the 100th run of the Queen’s Plate in 1959 and the 151st run in July 2010. Both the historic races were attended by the reigning monarchs of their respective times.
Woodbine Racetrack was also the inaugural avenue for the Summer Paralympics in 1976 and was home to a few sporting events as well.
Woodbine Racetrack facilities
The construction of Woodbine racetrack began in 1995. It was designed by Earle C. Morgan, who sought advice from Arthur Froelich, the designer of the Gordon State Park and Hollywood Park racecourses in the USA.
The racecourse is spread out over an area of 400 acres. It has a capacity of 40,000 spectators, while the Grandstand has been strategically placed to offer the audience an unhindered view of the racetrack.
The racecourse comprises three racing tracks and two tracks dedicated to training. Its stables can accommodate up to 1000 horses at a time, while the employee accommodations can house 700 individuals at a time.
The track on the periphery is a turf track named the E.P. Taylor track, which was opened in 1994. It is irregularly shaped and 2.4kms (1.5 miles) long. Its chute allows races on around 1.12 miles to be run around one turn. The inner course is another turf track named the Taylor course, which is 1.5 miles long.
Next, we have the synthetic course, which is 1 mile long. It was previously a dirt track and was converted into a Polytrack in 2006. In 2016, its track was modified again and made from Tapeta.
The racecourse venue has also been home to Woodbine Casino since 1999. It entails various table games like roulette or baccarat, stadium gaming, slot machines, etc. Another interesting feature of Woodbine Racecourse is the Canadian Hall of Fame, which has been there since 1976. It honours the horses that have performed well in harness and thoroughbred racing.
This year a plan has been drafted to add a soccer stadium to the venue in the northeast corner. It will have a capacity of 8,000 people and attached training facilities. The stadium presumably will house the YORK United and a professional women’s football cub in the future.
How to get to Woodbine Racetrack
You can take the complimentary bus shuttle from the Toronto Airport or the nearby hotels to get to the racetrack and casino.
What is the Breeders Crown?
The Breeders Crown is a yearly harness racing event that has been taking place in the USA and Canada since 1984.
Where can I find Woodbine tips?
Fans of Woodbine racing can find Woodbine race tips from a variety of sources, including online tipsters, handicappers, and horse racing experts.
One popular source for Woodbine racing tips is the Guaranteed Tip Sheet website, which offers free daily tips and picks for Woodbine races, as well as other racetracks across North America. This website provides detailed analysis and insights into each race, helping fans make informed decisions when placing their bets.
Another source for Woodbine race tips is the OLBG website, which features tips from profitable racing tipsters and provides insights into which runners to wager on for each race. This website also offers a community of horse racing enthusiasts who share their knowledge and expertise on Woodbine racing and other tracks.
Fans can also find tips and race-by-race guides for Woodbine racing on the At The Races website, which offers free form print-outs, market movers, and ante-post prices. This website provides a wealth of information on each race, including jockey and trainer statistics, as well as historical data and trends.
Additionally, the Woodbine Racetrack website provides access to free handicapping resources and expert picks and selections, as well as information on upcoming races and special events. This website is the official source for Woodbine racing news and results, making it a reliable and trustworthy resource for fans.
There are many sources available for fans to find Woodbine race tips and stay up-to-date on the latest news and results from this exciting racetrack. Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper or a casual fan, these resources can help you make informed decisions and enjoy the thrill of Woodbine racing.
