Woodbine Entertainment announced Jan. 12 that the 162nd running of the $1 million Queen’s Plate, first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, will be held on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
Contested annually to showcase Canada’s finest three-year-old Thoroughbreds, The Queen’s Plate is one of the country’s premier sporting events and North America’s oldest continuously-run stakes horse race.
Held at the end of June in past years, The Queen’s Plate was moved to late summer in 2020 and run on September 12 without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the spectator restrictions, the beloved one-eyed champion Mighty Heart captured the hearts of sports fans across the nation that tuned in via an engaging Queen’s Plate at Home digital experience. The historic 2020 Queen’s Plate produced the third highest wagering handle in its history.
“While it is clear the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt into the new year, we are optimistic that this timing for The Queen’s Plate could give us the best opportunity to welcome guests back at Woodbine Racetrack for the most exciting event on the Canadian horse racing calendar,” said Jim Lawson, President and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We look forward to the 2021 racing season and the opportunity to restore The Queen’s Plate as one of the top social events in Toronto.”
Details regarding attendance and ticket sales will be announced in the coming months, along with Woodbine’s full Thoroughbred stakes schedule for the 2021 meet, which is expected to begin on Saturday, April 17.
“Woodbine has successfully demonstrated our commitment to the health and safety of our staff, participants and guests throughout these unprecedented times,” said Lawson. “We will continue to practice our industry-leading guidelines and entertainment offerings to ensure another world-class Queen’s Plate experience in 2021.”
Nominations for the Canadian Triple Crown are due Monday, February 1, 2021.
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