The King’s Plate Returns to Woodbine Racetrack This August
The King’s Plate returns to Woodbine Racetrack on August 15, 2026, for its 167th running. The annual Toronto horse race brings a full day of Thoroughbred racing alongside fashion, food, drinks, and entertainment.
The $1 million race is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown and is open to three-year-old Canadian-bred Thoroughbreds. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the first race expected to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets are currently on sale for the 2026 event.
Note: Race times, ticket availability, programming, and other event details may change. Check the official King’s Plate website before heading out.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE KING’S PLATE 2026
The King’s Plate 2026 Details
| Date: | August 15 |
| Doors Open: | 11:30 a.m. |
| First Race: | 12:30 p.m. |
| Address: | Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto |
| Admission: | Ticketed |
| Parking: | Free |
What Is The King’s Plate?
The King’s Plate is Canada’s oldest and most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race and has been held since 1860.
The 2026 event marks its 167th running. This year, will see three-year-old Canadian-bred Thoroughbreds compete over one mile and a quarter on Woodbine’s all-weather track.
The race carries a $1 million purse and serves as the opening race of the Canadian Triple Crown.
A Full Day of Racing at Woodbine
While the King’s Plate is the main race, the day’s racing begins hours before the horses head to the starting gate for the main event.
After doors open at 11:30 a.m., the first race is expected to begin at 12:30 p.m.
Guests can follow the races throughout the day before watching the 167th King’s Plate later in the program.
Visitor tip: Check the official race schedule closer to August 15 if you are mainly attending for the King’s Plate itself.
Fashion, Food, and Entertainment
Beyond the racing, fashion, dining, and entertainment are also part of the annual event.
Guests often dress up for the occasion, making race-day fashion a major part of the crowd at Woodbine.
Meanwhile, food and drink options are available throughout the venue, with different ticket packages offering ways to watch the races from around the racetrack.
Why Is The King’s Plate Important?
The King’s Plate is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
After the King’s Plate, the series continues with the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Race Track on September 7. The final leg is the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack on September 27.
The King’s Plate is contested at a distance of one mile and a quarter and carries a $1 million purse.
Where Is The King’s Plate?
The King’s Plate takes place at Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Boulevard in Toronto.
Woodbine is one of Canada’s major horse racing venues and hosts Thoroughbred racing throughout its annual racing season.
Free parking is available for the King’s Plate, according to the official 2026 event information.
What to Know Before You Go
The King’s Plate takes place on Saturday, August 15, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m.
Tickets are currently on sale, with several ticket and seating options available for guests attending the event.
Anyone planning their day around the main race should check the final race schedule before arriving.
Are you heading to The King’s Plate for the racing, the fashion, or a full day out at Woodbine? Let us know what you are looking forward to most.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The 167th King’s Plate takes place on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto.
Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and the first race is expected to begin between 12:30 p.m
The King’s Plate takes place at Woodbine Racetrack, 555 Rexdale Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario.
Free parking is available at the venue for the event.
The King’s Plate is run over a distance of one mile and a quarter on Woodbine Racetrack’s all-weather surface.
The race record belongs to Moira, who completed the race in 2:01.48 in 2022.
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