Lexie Lou charmed many racing fans and produced countless new ones with her win at the 155th edition of the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine on Sunday.
On the business side, Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) also considers this year’s event a terrific success.
A total of $9,079,520 million was wagered on the 13-race card, the second highest handle recorded in Queen’s Plate history. A record $3,074,410, including $653,423 on the Jackpot Hi-5, was bet on the Queen’s Plate race itself.
“We’re thrilled with the turnout by both existing and new racing fans,” said Sean Pinsonneault, Executive Vice-President and COO for WEG. “Our Hats and Horseshoes event, hosted by Melissa Grelo, attracted the fashion forward crowd. Horseplayers were treated to a strong race card, topped off by a large, quality 15-horse field in the Queen’s Plate. All would agree that Lexie Lou, the lone filly in the race, was truly outstanding in winning the historic record-breaking event.”
With no turnstiles (admission and parking are free at Woodbine) to specifically measure attendance, estimates place the Queen’s Plate crowd at approximately 30,000.
WEG was also pleased to donate $1 for every program and grandstand ticket sold to Rethink Breast Cancer. The foundation, which champions the cause of young women affected by breast cancer, had 200 guests at their Hats & Horseshoes tent party on Sunday.
“Other successes include ticket sales, which were 8% higher than last year and the Gatsby in the Tent event, located trackside, which greatly added to the afternoon festivities for over 300 guests,” said Pinsonneault. “Our social media also showed record numbers across all metrics, including Queen’s Plate ‘day-of’ Twitter and Facebook impressions, which were over double last year’s numbers.”
The Queen’s Plate is the first jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown. The next race is set for Tuesday, July 29 at Fort Erie, with the final gem of three-race series, the Breeders’ Stakes, on turf, set for Sunday, August 17 at Woodbine. Both races will be broadcast on TSN in full HD.
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