TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Teenager Slade Jones and veteran Patrick Husbands are expected to line up in the colony for the new Woodbine season, which will offer CAN$62 million in purses inclusive of $17 million from a packed added-money schedule when it gets underway next month.
The season, which runs from April 22 to December 10, will comprise 39 graded stakes highlighted by The King’s Plate running for the first time in 70 years, the event one of two million-dollar races along with the Ricoh Woodbine Mile.
A significant development in the new season will be the return of the $750 000 Grade 1 Canadian International, contested over a further distance of a mile and a quarter.
“Woodbine’s long and storied history includes many incredible racing seasons, and this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson.
“With compelling and competitive racing on the track and transformative initiatives off the track that will bring racing to more people than ever before, I can’t wait for the starting gates to open on April 22.”
He continued: “This is an exciting time for Woodbine and the Ontario horse racing industry. We have all just come through a tough few years, but we have a dedicated and resilient racing community that continues to deliver a world-class product.
“And through our transformational investments and collective commitment, we are now within reach of our ultimate goal of having a strong and sustainable foundation for racing in Ontario for generations to come.”
The 164th running of The King’s Plate will take place on August 20 and will be the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, which also comprises the $400 000 Prince of Wales Stakes on September 12 at Fort Erie and the $400 000 Breeders’ Stakes on October 1 back at Woodbine.
Meanwhile, the Triple Tiara will be launched by running the $500 000 Woodbine Oaks on July 23 and continue with the $250 000 Bison City Stakes on August 13 and the $250 000 Wonder Where Stakes on September 10.
As part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series on September 16, patrons will witness the Woodbine Mile along with the $500 000 Grade 1 Natalma Stakes and $500 000 Grade 1 Summer Stakes.
Canada Day on July 1 will also be a significant part of the Woodbine calendar, celebrated with five graded stakes races – the Grade 2 Nassau Stakes, Grade 2 Highlander Stakes, Grade 3 Dominion Day Stakes, Grade 3 Selene Stakes and Grade 3 Marine Stakes.
Husbands and Jones, both Barbadians, finished in the top 10 of the Woodbine standings last year after solid performances.
Perhaps Canada’s most decorated rider, the 50-year-old Husbands dominated in added-money races to finish with 58 wins from 313 rides and earnings of $4.7 million. He was the last rider to win the Triple Crown with Wando in 2003 and the Triple Tiara with Sealy Hill four years later.
The 17-year-old Jones, the son of former Woodbine star Jono Jones, clinched 60 wins from 441 outings in his debut season last year, along with earnings of $2.5 million.
Husbands and Jones are among several Caribbean riders who ply their trade at the prestigious Woodbine.
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