E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) at Woodbine joins Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series
TORONTO, March 27, 2025 – Woodbine Entertainment is proud to announce that the $750,000 (CAD) E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) has been added to the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series as an official “Win and You’re In” race.
The new designation offers the winner an automatic, fees-paid berth into the $2 million (USD) Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships held October 31- November 1 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
This year, the E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) will be run over 1 ¼ miles on the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course on August 16, sharing the stage with Woodbine’s most prestigious race, The King’s Plate.
After construction is completed on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course in 2026, the race will move back to its spot on the September calendar, alongside Woodbine’s three other Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” races:
- Grade 1 Rogers Woodbine Mile – Breeders’ Cup Mile
- Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
- Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf
“This is an exciting moment for Woodbine and Canadian racing,” shared Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “The E.P. Taylor Stakes has long attracted top turf fillies and mares from around the world, and its inclusion in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series further cements its status as a premier international event.”
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Breeders’ Cup and continue showcasing world-class Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine,” added Copeland.
Moira, runner-up in the 2024 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1), went on to win the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) with Woodbine-based trainer Kevin Attard.
-30-
