Turf Champions Day sets handle record
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario − Last Saturday’s Woodbine Turf Champions Day generated record handle numbers on a spectacular program headed by the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile.
The 12-race card yielded all-source total handle of $14,013,429, which was a record for the day. The total figure includes the Woodbine $5 Stakes Pick 3, which is identified as a separate card in tote systems. The previous mark of $13.8 million was set in 2021.
“Turf Champions Day continues to demonstrate the strength and appeal of Woodbine’s turf racing,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland. “Setting an event record handle is a significant achievement, and it reflects the quality of competition, the support of all the owners, trainers and participants, and the enthusiasm of our fans and wagering customers.
“We’re proud of the team that brings this day together and grateful to everyone who helped make it such a success.”
The brilliant champion Notable Speech won the $1 million Woodbine Mile for the second year in a row in a thrilling finish over the speedy New Yorker Deterministic. It was the fourth victory in the historic race for the combination of Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby, and jockey William Buick.
Notable Speech earned a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, which he won last year. The other three Grade 1 turf events on the card were all BC Win and You’re In qualifiers as well. Gimme a Nother won the E.P. Taylor; Voyager captured the Natalma; and Al Hudaiba took the Summer.
Woodbine’s next major day of turf racing goes Oct. 3 and is headed by the Grade 1, $750,000 Canadian International. Also on that card are the Grade 2, $250,000 Nearctic; the Grade 2, $200,000 Dance Smartly; the Grade 3, $250,000 Algonquin; and the $250,000 Cup and Saucer Stakes.
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