One of Canada's most prestigious annual sporting events is excited to welcome back spectators for the first time since June of 2019.
The $1 million Queen's Plate, the longest continuously run Thoroughbred stakes race in North America, will be raced on Sunday, August 22 in front of a crowd of fans at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. It is the first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and showcases Canada's top three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back spectators as this event just really isn't the same without them," said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. "Last year we were proud to be able to run this historic race in very challenging circumstances due to the pandemic, but our fans were greatly missed. This year, we can't wait to host spectators and return The Queen's Plate traditions of fashion, live music, and gourmet food and drinks, all centered around the very best horse racing in the country."
With Ontario currently in Step 3 of its "Roadmap to Reopen Plan", horse racing facilities are permitted to have up to 50% of their typical capacity. For The Queen's Plate at Woodbine, this includes grandstand seating, general admission (access to the second and third floor of the grandstand but no assigned seat), seating in its restaurants (Post Parade and The Patio at Champions), and the Premium Trackside Experience which includes two drink tickets, gourmet BBQ, racing programs and front row/rail side access to watch the big race and a special musical performance. The total inventory is estimated at approximately 5,000 tickets. In years past, upwards of 35,000 spectators have attended The Queen's Plate with expanded hosting areas which will not be permitted this year.
More details about the event, including a special musical performance, will be announced in the coming days.
Well-established COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place to offer spectators a safe and enjoyable experience.
"As excited as we are to welcome back fans to The Queen's Plate, we take the safety of our guests, employees, and horse racing participants extremely seriously and have throughout the pandemic," said Lawson. "Fans can expect to be and feel safe, and have a great experience."
Tickets for The 162nd Queen's Plate go on sale to the general public July 30 at 10 a.m. ET through Ticketmaster. Dining tickets go on sale Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. General admission tickets are $20 and grandstand tickets start at $35.
