Woodbine's E.P. Taylor Turf Course to Reopen Aug. 8

Woodbine Entertainment announced the E.P. Taylor Turf Course is scheduled to return to racing use Aug. 8—several weeks ahead of the original Sept. 1 reopening target. The planned reopening will follow the completion of a comprehensive renovation designed to enhance the long-term safety, consistency, and sustainability of one of North America's premier turf racing surfaces. Construction began immediately following the 2025 King's Plate at Woodbine Racetrack and progressed on schedule throughout the project. The extensive renovation focused on the backstretch section of the course and included the installation of a new drainage system, upgraded irrigation infrastructure, and a completely rebuilt racing profile. Over the coming weeks, Woodbine will continue to carefully evaluate the renovated 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. The return of racing to the renovated E.P. Taylor Turf Course is scheduled to resume with an allowance race to be contested on the surface, pending the successful completion of those final evaluations. Following its return to racing, the E.P. Taylor Turf Course will host a series of allowance races before welcoming back stakes competition Aug. 15 on King's Plate Day. The $125,000 Soaring Free Stakes and $125,000 Catch A Glimpse Stakes will return to their traditional home on the course and again be contested at their customary distance of 6 1/2 furlongs. "The E.P. Taylor Turf Course has long been one of the defining features of Thoroughbred racing at Woodbine and one of the premier turf courses in North America," said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland. "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. "I'd also like to sincerely thank our owners, trainers, jockeys, and the entire Woodbine racing community for their patience, understanding, and flexibility throughout the construction process. We recognize that this project required adjustments to training schedules and post times over much of the past year, and we greatly appreciate how everyone accommodated those changes while allowing this important work to move forward. Their support has helped make an investment that will benefit Ontario racing for generations to come." The course is home to Woodbine's four Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" Races: the Woodbine Mile (G1T), E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T), Natalma Stakes (G1T), and Summer Stakes (G1T)—all to be contested Sept. 12, Turf Champions Day. The course also is scheduled to welcome the Oct. 3 Canadian International (G1T).