Woodbine’s main turf course to reopen on Aug. 8
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ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine announced Monday that the 1 1/2-mile main turf, known locally as the E.P. Taylor turf course, is set to reopen about a month ahead of schedule on Aug. 8 following extensive renovations.
Construction on the course, which encircles the main track, began immediately following the 2025 King’s Plate last August and progressed on schedule throughout the project. The renovation focused on the backstretch section of the course and included the installation of a new drainage system and upgraded irrigation infrastructure, along with resodding.
During the coming weeks, Woodbine will continue to carefully evaluate the course through a series of gallop sessions involving horses and riders. The surface also will be reviewed in collaboration with the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario, the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario before racing resumes.
Beginning Aug. 8, the course will host a series of allowance races before bringing back stakes competition on King’s Plate Day, Aug. 15. The $125,000 Soaring Free and $125,000 Catch a Glimpse stakes will return to their traditional home on the course and once again be contested at their customary distance of 6 1/2 furlongs.
“The [main] course has long been one of the defining features of Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine and one of the premier turf courses in North America,” Woodbine CEO Michael Copeland said. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class racing infrastructure that supports the long-term success of Thoroughbred racing in Ontario. We’re incredibly proud of the work that has gone into this project and excited to welcome horses back to the course in the coming weeks.”
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