Luster’s dominant victory in the 167th King’s Plate capped a highly successful 2026 event for Woodbine Entertainment.
Wagering on The King’s Plate race reached $4,202,181, a 4.5 per cent increase over 2025. The $1,242,081 win pool was the largest in King’s Plate history, surpassing the previous record set in 2023.
Saturday’s 13-race, stakes-filled program generated more than $14.8 million in all-sources wagering, the fifth-highest total in event history.
“From the first race to the last, this year’s King’s Plate Day delivered very competitive racing and incredible energy throughout the grandstand,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “We are proud of Saturday’s outstanding race card and results.
“The King’s Plate continues to stand apart as the highlight of our Thoroughbred racing season at Woodbine, and we’re grateful to the owners, trainers, jockeys, fans, and entire racing community who made this year’s celebration such a memorable one.”
Luster’s victory in the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown gives Canadian Hall of Fame trainer Josie Carroll her fourth Plate win. Carroll was the first woman to win the Queen’s Plate in 2006 with Edenwold, and captured wins in 2011 with Inglorious, and 2020 with one-eyed Mighty Heart.
It was the second Plate win for Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who won The Queen’s Plate in 2018 aboard filly Wonder Gadot.
Luster, the 1-5 favourite, is the 40th filly to win The Plate.
Woodbine now turns its attention to the remainder of the season, including Turf Champions Day on Saturday, September 12, which is highlighted by the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, Grade 1 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes, Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes, and Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes. All four races are part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
The Canadian Triple Crown continues with the Prince of Wales Stakes on Monday, September 7 at Fort Erie Race Track and the Breeders’ Stakes on Sunday, September 27 at Woodbine Racetrack.
Live racing continues every Thursday (3:10 p.m.), Friday (1 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.) through December 13.
For more information on live racing at Woodbine, visit Woodbine.com or follow @WoodbineTB on all social media platforms.
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