King's Plate Marches On This Friday at Woodbine
- The Plate and Four Stakes races rescheduled following Saturday’s record rainfall
- Public can witness historic race for free
- Grandstand and Hats & Horseshoes ticketholders being refunded
TORONTO, August 21, 2024 – The 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate will go this Friday at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack, just days after a record-breaking storm washed-out the event.
“By now, everyone has seen the video from Saturday, and it’s astonishing how much rain we got,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland. “Hearing that records were broken isn’t surprising and reinforces our decision to move the races to Friday for the sake of horse and rider safety.”
According to Environment Canada, 128.3 millimetres of rain was recorded Saturday at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, which is located mere minutes from Woodbine. An 11-year-old record for rainfall was broken.
Free Admission & Five Rescheduled Races
Friday will operate much like a regular race day at Woodbine with the addition of added concessions and free programs for all guests.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will be in attendance.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. (concessions and bars at 11:30 a.m.), and post time for the first race is 1:05 p.m. This exciting day of world-class horse racing features the bet365 Soaring Free Stakes, Bold Venture Stakes, bet365 King Edward Stakes, Catch A Glimpse Stakes, and of course, the 165th King’s Plate. The Plate is Race 9 of 12, and will be contested at approximately 5:34 p.m.
Refunds Being Offered
“We wholeheartedly understand the disappointment felt by our guests over the event’s cancellation, and we thank everyone for their patience as we sorted through the aftermath,” Copeland said.
Woodbine Entertainment will be offering full refunds to individuals/groups who purchased tickets in the Grandstand or for Hats & Horseshoes. Purchasers of other experiences will also be receiving full, partial refunds, or credits, and those groups are being contacted directly.
Ticketholders will receive their refund through Ticketmaster or the original method of purchase.
COME WITNESS HISTORY
“The King’s Plate hasn’t been free to attend in decades, so it’s an incredible opportunity for the fans,” Copeland said.
“We hope our guests can join us on Friday to witness history with the 165th running of The King’s Plate, keeping as the longest continuously run stakes race in North America.”
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CONTACT WOODBINECOMMUNICATIONS@WOODBINE.COM
