166th King’s Plate generates strong numbers
TORONTO, August 18, 2025 - Mansetti’s victory in the 166th King’s Plate highlighted a successful 2025 race and event for Woodbine Entertainment.
A sold-out grandstand enjoyed a 13-race stakes-filled program that generated over $17 million in all-sources wagering, the third highest in event history.
The Plate record is $18.1 million in 2023, a number bolstered by a large Jackpot Hi-5 carryover. This year’s card, which did not include a sizable carryover, generated the highest dollars wagered per starter of any Plate program. It also saw the debut of the new “Kings & Queens Pick-3” wager that offered a $5 minimum and low 15 per cent takeout.
The 166th King’s Plate race itself brought in over $4 million in wagering, while the on-track handle was the highest since prior to the pandemic.
“We were confident that Saturday would generate good numbers in large part due to a competitive King’s Plate and a deep card of racing,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine. “The action on the racetrack lived up to the billing and the atmosphere throughout the grandstand was electric.
“The King’s Plate is truly the event of the summer and we want to thank our entire racing community for putting on a great show.”
This year’s card also featured the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes, which was the second highest wagered race of the day at $2.3 million. The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series event saw She Feels Pretty prevail over Diamond Rain (GB) in a thriller for jockey John Velazquez and trainer Cherie DeVaux.
Mansetti’s victory in the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown gives trainer Kevin Attard three Plate wins in the last four years. It was also the first Plate victory for apprentice jockey Pietro Moran and owners Al & Bill Ulwelling.
Moran at just 20-years-old becomes the third youngest jockey to ever win The Plate.
Woodbine now turns its focus to the remainder of the season, including Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 13, which is highlighted by the Grade 1 Rogers Woodbine Mile, Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes and Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes. All three races are part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
The OLG Canadian Triple Crown continues with the Prince of Wales Stakes on Tuesday, September 9 (1:30 p.m.) at Fort Erie Race Track and the Breeders’ Stakes on Sunday, September 28 (1:05 p.m.) back at Woodbine.
Live racing continues every Thursday (5:30 p.m.), Friday (4:30 p.m.), Saturday (1:05 p.m.) and Sunday (1:05 p.m.) through December 14.
For more information on live racing at Woodbine, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB on all social media platforms.
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Mark McKelvie