Woodbine concludes unprecedented King’s Plate weekend
TORONTO, August 25, 2024 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced The King’s Plate race card wagering handle of $11.6 million was part of a $24.5 million three-day total handle for Plate weekend.
Following a historical rainfall that forced the postponement of The King’s Plate on Saturday, August 17, the 165th running of The Plate was held in front of thousands of racing fans on Friday afternoon (August 23) at Woodbine Racetrack.
The decision to run The King’s Plate on Friday came after analyzing the racing and simulcast market for the following weekend and determining how to best maximize wagering over the course of the weekend.
The King’s Plate card on Friday afternoon generated a total handle of $11.6 million. The 165th running of Canada’s most prestigious horse race was captured by filly Caitlinhergrtness for owners Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, trainer Kevin Attard and jockey Rafael Hernandez.
“After mother nature had other plans for us last weekend, Friday was picture perfect for The King’s Plate and the racing was outstanding,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine. “We couldn’t have pulled off such a memorable day without the tremendous support of our racing fans, racing participants and entire Woodbine team.”
With the original King’s Plate card cut short due to the torrential rain, Woodbine provided ticketholders with refunds, while offering free admission to Friday’s rescheduled event.
Following Friday’s card, Woodbine handled $6.4 million on Saturday’s card, which went head-to-head with Travers Day at Saratoga. Sunday’s card of live racing generated $6.4 million in wagering.
The 2024 Thoroughbred season at Woodbine continues through December 15 with several marquee days remaining, including Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 14.
