The 162nd running of the $1-million Queen's Plate, the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, will be held Sunday, Aug. 22 at Woodbine, Woodbine Entertainment announced Tuesday. Contested annually to showcase Canada's finest 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, The Queen's Plate is one of the country's premier sporting events and North America's oldest continuously run stakes horse race.
Held at the end of June in past years, The Queen's Plate was moved to late summer in 2020 and run Sept. 12 without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One-eyed champion Mighty Heart (Dramedy) scored a dominant victory in the race, which produced the third highest wagering handle in its history.
“While it is clear the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt into the new year, we are optimistic that this timing for The Queen's Plate could give us the best opportunity to welcome guests back at Woodbine Racetrack for the most exciting event on the Canadian horse racing calendar,” said Jim Lawson, President and CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We look forward to the 2021 racing season and the opportunity to restore The Queen's Plate as one of the top social events in Toronto.”
Details regarding attendance and ticket sales will be announced in the coming months, along with Woodbine's full Thoroughbred stakes schedule for the 2021 meet, which is expected to begin Saturday, Apr. 17.
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