Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) and the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) today jointly announced Woodbine’s 2016 Thoroughbred racing calendar.

Opening day for Woodbine’s 61st season, which will offer 133 dates pending Ontario Racing Commission (ORC) approval, is set for Saturday, April 9, with closing day scheduled for Sunday, December 4.

The 157th running of the Queen’s Plate, first jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown of Racing, is set for Sunday, July 3 with a special first race post time of 12 p.m.

Racing will be scheduled for 1:00 p.m. every Friday (beginning April 22), Saturday and Sunday. In addition, a 1:00 p.m. post will be offered for Holiday Mondays May 23, August 1, September 5 and October 10.

Wednesday night racing, with a post time of 6:45 p.m., will begin on May 18 with the final evening card slated for Wednesday, November 30.

Woodbine’s dirt training track will open on February 18 allowing horsepeople to begin preparation for the 2016 meet.

The 2015 Woodbine Thoroughbred campaign concludes Sunday, November 29.

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