Woodbine to Open Season for First Time Since 2019

For the first time since April 2019, Woodbine Entertainment is set to open its Thoroughbred racing season without delay April 16 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.

The familiar sounds of the Thoroughbreds storming around the Toronto oval has been absent over the past two springs due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing the operation of live racing in Ontario. Both the 2020 and 2021 seasons did not begin until June, nearly two months later than originally planned.

The 2022 season, which opens with live racing this Saturday and Sunday, will run through Dec. 11, and features a total of 133 race dates.

"To have opening day back in its usual position on the calendar is very important to not only our operations at Woodbine, but also the livelihoods of our racing participants," said Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. "Having had so much uncertainty throughout our last two seasons it provides great relief to start our season in mid-April and look ahead at a full racing calendar."

The 163rd running of The Queen's Plate Aug. 21 is the crown jewel of the 2022 racing season at Woodbine. More than $16.9 million in stakes races will be contested throughout the new season, including 37 graded stakes.

Other notable dates for the 2022 season include the Woodbine Oaks Presented by Budweiser to be run July 24, the Ricoh Woodbine Mile Sept. 17, and the Breeders' Stakes Oct. 2.

Post time for Saturday's opening day is 1:10 p.m. For more information on live racing at Woodbine, visit www.Woodbine.com.