The 2011 Canadian live Thoroughbred racing season kicks off this Saturday afternoon at Woodbine.
The 10-race Opening Day program, set for a post-time of 1 p.m., was assembled on Wednesday morning, drawing 91 horses, including 11 for the afternoon’s feature race, the $100,000 Debut Stakes for four-year-olds and up.
On Saturday, fans will be greeted by several members of the country’s finest jockey colony at approximately 11:45 a.m. at the north entrance. In addition to posing for pictures and signing autographs, the riders will be giving out vouchers for mystery cash cards which will carry a minimum of $2.
Woodbine is offering 167 dates during the 2011 season, which concludes December 4.
Steve Lym, Woodbine’s Director of Racing and Racing Secretary, expects another strong meet, especially early in the season.
“There are plenty of horses on the grounds and the work tab has been especially busy this spring, so I, optimistically, expect solid field size early in the meet,” said Lym. “We expect International interest in our program to remain high, including major awareness from American trainers.”
Wesley Ward, a prominent U.S. trainer, has six entered for the Opening Day program.
Over $84 million in purses, including stakes, will be offered this year.
Returning are high-profile jockeys Jim McAleney and Emma-Jayne Wilson, both of whom suffered serious injuries in late 2010, but are ready for 2011.
Wilson suffered a lacerated liver in August and missed three months, but returned in November and was prominent over the winter in the U.S., winning nine races, including a big win with local fan favourite Rahy’s Attorney in the Grade 3 Pan American Stakes at Gulfstream Park in south Florida this past weekend.
McAleney has fully recovered from a broken collarbone, and lung and rib injuries, suffered in October.
“Right now, I’m really excited,” said McAleney, who has four mounts on Saturday. “I spent a lot of time in the gym and working with a naturopath. Physically and mentally, I don’t think I’ve been in better shape. In 2007, I broke my leg and followed it up in 2008 with one of the best years I’ve ever had. I feel like I’m in a similar position this year.
“This is always one of the most exciting times of the racing year,” continued McAleney. “Everyone has so much optimism and promise. It looks as though it’s going to be another thrilling season.”
Chantal Sutherland, who was third in the jockey standings last year, will be staying in southern California in 2011, so her 136 wins and colony-leading 18 stakes scores are up for grabs.
Mark Casse will be going for his 5th straight Woodbine training title in 2011 after years with 85, 75, 71 and 86 wins. He’ll be chasing the record for most wins in a Woodbine meet, set by the late Frank Passero in 1995 with 89 wins.
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 152nd Queen’s Plate is slated for June 26 and will be aired on CBC, as will the Woodbine Oaks and Plate Trial races, which are set for June 5.
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.
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