The roar of the crowd. The thunder of hooves. That’s Woodbine. Woodbine Racetrack a legendary Toronto landmark. It’s not just a racetrack it’s a piece of Canadian history.
Before this majestic structure stood another Woodbine. Located southeast of Toronto at Queen Street East and Kingston Road it operated from 1874 to 1993. This original Woodbine hosted the prestigious King’s Plate. It needed modernization though. So a new supertrack was envisioned.
Enter E.P. Taylor a Canadian industrialist and horse breeder. He spearheaded the acquisition of several Ontario racetracks. He closed some. He renovated others. His goal? To create the biggest most profitable horse racing operation in Ontario. Think of it as a horse racing monopoly.
The new Woodbine opened in 1956. It cost a staggering CA$13 million. That’s a lot of money even by today’s standards. The grand opening was a spectacle. It boasted a one-mile oval dirt track and a seven-eighths turf course. It could hold 40,000 spectators. There was ample parking.
Woodbine has seen incredible changes since then. Extensive remodeling took place starting in 1993. Now it has three racecourses. The E.P. Taylor Turf Course is unique. It’s 1.5 miles long. Its irregular shape is unlike typical North American ovals.
The track has hosted many iconic races. The King’s Plate remains a highlight. It’s Canada’s most famous horse race. Woodbine also held the Breeders’ Cup in 1996. Even Queen Elizabeth II has graced the track multiple times.
But Woodbine is more than just races. It features a bustling casino. It opened in 1999. Now it has slots table games and even a hotel under construction. Woodbine is a complete entertainment destination. It’s also home to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Sadly Woodbine has seen its share of tragedy. In November 2024 three horses suffered catastrophic injuries on the track. The races were temporarily suspended. Woodbine prioritizes horse welfare. This incident shows just how much.
So next time you’re in Toronto don’t just pass by Woodbine. Step inside. Feel the energy. Hear the history. Woodbine is a place where champions are made and legends are born. It’s more than a racetrack. It’s an experience.