Woodbine’s 56th season of Thoroughbred racing gets out of the gates tomorrow, Saturday, April 2nd, with first-race post time set for 1:00 p.m. Ten races will feature 91 horses in-to-go.
The Opening Day feature race is the $100,000 Debut Stakes, carded as race eight on the programme. The 5-2 morning line favourite for the Debut is Don’s Folly, trained by Ian Black and ridden by Emma-Jayne Wilson, who recently paired to win the Grade 3 Pan American with local fan favourite, Rahy’s Attorney.
Members of the Woodbine jockey colony will be at Woodbine’s main entrance at approximately 11:45 a.m., where they will greet fans and hand out vouchers for mystery cash cards which will carry a minimum of $2.
The 167-day meet runs from April 2 to December 4. The season is highlighted by a $22-million-plus stakes schedule.
“This is always one of the most exciting times of the racing year,” said jockey Jim McAleney. “Everyone has so much optimism and promise. It looks as though it’s going to be another thrilling season.”
Chantal Sutherland, third in the jockey standings last year, has decided to stay in southern California in 2011. Her 136 wins and colony-leading 18 stakes scores from 2010 are up for grabs.
Trainer Mark Casse will be going for his fifth straight Woodbine title in 2011 after years with 85, 75, 71 and 86 wins. He’ll be seeking the record for most wins in a Woodbine meet, set by the late Frank Passero in 1995 with 89 victories.
Horseplayers will enjoy more value as Woodbine has cut the takeout for its triactor wager by 2% from 27% to 25%. Plus, Superfectas will be available on every race that has at least seven horses.
The Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, is slated for June 5, the Queen’s Plate will have its 152nd renewal on June 26, the Grade 1 Ricoh Woodbine Mile is set for September 18 and the Grade 1 Pattison Canadian International is scheduled for October 16. The latter two are part of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” program.
The post-position draws for Woodbine’s major races will also be available online for the first time at http://www.woodbineentertainment.com/. Fans can also watch the races on the website with access to downloadable free programs.
Fans can also enter this year’s Queen’s Plate Fantasy Challenge, which features an online entry at QueensPlate.com, where you select your own stable of horses and jockeys and vie to be the top purse earner of the season.
Admission and parking at the racetrack are always FREE.
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