Last Saturday, the much-anticipated King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack was abruptly postponed due to torrential rains, much to the disappointment of the 17,000 spectators who had eagerly gathered for the event. Among the crowd was a large contingent of Caribbean supporters, all there to cheer on their hero, Patrick Husbands, as he attempted to defend his crown from last year’s victory.

The day promised to be one of the grandest in the history of the King’s Plate, with excitement palpable in the air. However, as rain poured down in relentless sheets, Woodbine Entertainment made the difficult decision to cancel the race for the first time in its storied history. The safety of the jockeys and horses was paramount, and the severe weather conditions left no choice but to reschedule the event.

“The King’s Plate hasn’t been free to attend in decades, so it’s an incredible opportunity for the fans,” said Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michael Copeland. “We hope our guests can join us on Friday to witness history with the 165th running of The King’s Plate, keeping it as the longest continuously run stakes race in North America.”

The scale of the rainfall was unprecedented. According to Environment Canada, 128.3 millimetres of rain was recorded at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, just minutes from Woodbine Racetrack. This deluge shattered an 11-year-old record for rainfall in the area. The staggering volume of rain only reinforced the necessity of postponing the race. “By now, everyone has seen the video from Saturday, and it’s astonishing how much rain we got,” added Copeland. “Hearing that records were broken isn’t surprising and reinforces our decision to move the races to Friday for the sake of horse and rider safety.”

With the King’s Plate now rescheduled for tomorrow, anticipation is once again building. Patrick Husbands, a celebrated jockey and Impact Award winner, remains the community favorite to take the crown. Fans, particularly those from the Caribbean community, are eager to see him back on the track, hoping for a repeat of last year’s triumph.

To accommodate the rescheduled race, Woodbine Entertainment has announced several measures to ensure a memorable experience for all attendees. Friday will operate much like a regular race day at Woodbine, with added concessions and free programs for all guests. In a rare move, admission to the King’s Plate will be free, offering fans an unprecedented opportunity to witness history without charge.

The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, will be in attendance to mark this historic occasion. Gates will open at 11 a.m., with concessions and bars starting at 11:30 a.m. The first race is scheduled for 1:05 p.m., and the King’s Plate, the highlight of the day, will be Race 9 of 12, set to begin at approximately 5:34 p.m. This exciting day of world-class horse racing will also feature the bet365 Soaring Free Stakes, Bold Venture Stakes, bet365 King Edward Stakes, and Catch A Glimpse Stakes.

Understanding the disappointment felt by guests over last Saturday’s cancellation, Woodbine Entertainment will be offering full refunds to those who purchased tickets in the Grandstand or for Hats & Horseshoes. Refunds or credits will be processed through Ticketmaster or the original method of purchase.

As Friday approaches, the excitement for the King’s Plate has only grown, with fans eagerly anticipating what promises to be a spectacular day of racing. With Patrick Husbands poised to defend his title, the rescheduled race is set to be one of the most memorable in the event’s long and storied history. The 165th running of the $1 million King’s Plate is poised to deliver the thrill and drama that racing enthusiasts have come to expect, just days after a record-breaking storm washed out the original event.

  horse racing