Woodbine announces proposed date for King's Plate; turf renovations underway

Woodbine has announced the proposed date for this year’s 166th running of the King’s Plate is Saturday, Aug. 16 and the track also gave an update on the status of turf racing for this year.

The 2024 Plate was scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 17, but that card was canceled after the fifth race due to torrential rainfall. The $1 million Plate was run the following Friday.

Work on the revitalization of the main E.P. Taylor turf began last fall with the reinforcement of the tunnel that leads to the main track. During the project, a small section of the course was removed, an area that will be re-sodded when weather permits.

:: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets.

Turf racing is scheduled to begin, as usual, in the spring, but the main turf will be restricted to six and 6 1/2-furlong sprints until June. The main turf will close immediately following King’s Plate weekend for further re-sodding on the backstretch, which is the oldest portion of the course.

Traditionally run in September, the Woodbine Mile will be contested either on the inner turf or on the main course before the King’s Plate card.

Woodbine also announced the race office is moving back to the backstretch after it was relocated to the frontside a few years ago.

The backstretch opens Feb. 24 and the proposed opening day for the meet is April 26.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.