The 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate takes place this Friday at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack, just days after a record-breaking storm flooded the event.
“Everyone has seen the video from Saturday by now and it is astonishing how much rain there was,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “The fact that records were broken is not surprising and reinforces our decision to move the racing to Friday for the safety of horse and rider.”
According to Environment Canada, 128.3 millimetres of rain was recorded on Saturday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, just minutes from Woodbine, breaking an 11-year-old rainfall record.
Free entry and five postponed races
Friday at Woodbine will be like a normal race day, but there will also be food and free programs for all guests.
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will be in attendance.
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Gates open at 11am (concessions and bars at 11:30am) and the start of the first race is at 1:05pm. This exciting day of world-class horse racing includes 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 run at approximately 5:34pm.
Refunds are offered
“We fully understand our guests’ disappointment with the cancellation of the event and thank everyone for their patience as we dealt with the aftermath,” said Copeland.
Woodbine Entertainment will offer a full refund to individuals/groups who purchased tickets for the Grandstand or Hats & Horseshoes. Purchasers of other experiences will also receive a full or partial refund or credit. These groups will be contacted directly.
Ticket holders will receive their refund via Ticketmaster or the original method of purchase.
The 165th run
“Entry to the King’s Plate hasn’t been free for decades, so it’s an incredible opportunity for fans,” said Copeland.
“We hope our guests can join us on Friday to witness history being made when the 165th running of The King’s Plate is held, which remains the longest continuously run stakes race in North America.”
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