Woodbine to rebuild part of E.P. Taylor turf course

ETOBICOKE, Ontario — Woodbine Entertainment has announced plans to rebuild a portion of the main turf at Woodbine, which is known as the E.P. Taylor turf course.

Woodbine has purchased new Kentucky bluegrass that will be laid over a five-furlong section of the main course backstretch and a new drainage system will be installed, allowing for the possibility of an extended turf season. The project will not begin until 2025 at the earliest.

“Woodbine has an unwavering commitment to investing in and providing a world-class racing product,” said Bill Ford, Woodbine Entertainment’s executive vice president. “This latest investment will ensure the [main] turf remains one of the safest and elite turf courses in our sport. The new grass and drainage system along the backstretch will be a significant project that delivers long-term benefits to our Woodbine racing participants and customers.”

The 1 1/2-mile main course, which encircles the main track, opened in 1994. The backstretch of the course is from the former Marshall turf course, which existed from 1956 to 1993. The course is home to some of Woodbine’s biggest races, including the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile and Grade 1 Canadian International.

Woodbine is currently installing a covering over the inner turf. It’s designed to protect the entire seven-furlong course throughout the winter, with the possibility of an earlier start to the turf racing season.

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