Woodbine releases 2026 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule

March 4, 2026

TORONTO, March 4, 2026 – Woodbine Entertainment today announced the stakes schedule for the 2026 Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine Racetrack, set to kick off on April 18.

Woodbine’s 2026 racing season is highlighted by two $1 million classics: The 167th King’s Plate on August 15, and Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on September 12. The full stakes schedule consists of 39 graded stakes, including five Grade 1 events.

“We’re very proud of our stakes program at Woodbine and eagerly anticipate a season filled with outstanding competition,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We look forward to welcoming our racing community and fans back to the track on April 18 for the start of another exciting racing season.”

The Canadian Triple Crown for three-year-olds foaled in Canada begins with the 167^th running of The King’s Plate on Saturday, August 15, followed by the Prince of Wales Stakes on Monday, September 7 at Fort Erie Race Track, and the Breeders’ Stakes on Sunday, September 27 at Woodbine.

The renovation of Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor Turf Course, which prompted adjustments to last year’s stakes calendar, remains on schedule for completion by September 2026. This will allow for Woodbine’s marquee turf events to once again be contested on the world-renowned surface.

Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 12 will put the eyes of the racing world on Woodbine with four Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races. The “all-star” race card is headlined by the $1 million Woodbine Mile (G1), $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1), $500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1) and $500,000 bet365 Summer Stakes (G1).

With the E.P. Taylor Stakes moving to September, this year’s Turf Champions Day will mark the first time Woodbine will host four Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races on the same card.

The $750,000 Canadian International (G1) will be held on Saturday, October 3 at the traditional distance of a mile and a half on the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course.

The $500,000 Woodbine Oaks Presented by Stella Artois is set for Sunday, July 19. The Oaks serves as the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara for Canadian-foaled three-year-old fillies, followed by the $250,000 Bison City Stakes on August 8 and $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes on September 6.

The Canada Day Racing Festival returns as one of the season’s significant days, taking place Saturday, June 28. The card will include five graded stakes, led by the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes and the Grade 2 bet365 Highlander Stakes.

To view the entire stakes schedule on Woodbine’s website, click here.

To view the entire stakes schedule as a PDF, click here.

The 2026 Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine Racetrack is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 18 and will continue through December.

For more information and updates, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB and @WoodbineComms on X.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Day is Saturday, April 18
167th King’s Plate set for Saturday, August 15
Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 12 will feature four Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” races
Grade 1 Canadian International is on Saturday, October 3

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