Woodbine Entertainment announced on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 that the 161st running of the Queen’s Plate will be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, June 27. While a new date has not been confirmed, Woodbine Entertainment intends to host the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack this year, subject to recommendations and restrictions from government and health officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Queen’s Plate is the oldest continuously run race in North America and we have every intention of keeping it that way,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Once we postponed the start of our season, it likely meant that the Queen’s Plate would also be postponed as certain races are required leading up to it so the three-year-old horses competing are ready for the longer distance. As soon as we receive clarity on when the season will start, we will create a new stakes schedule and finalize a new date for the Queen’s Plate.”

On March 23, Woodbine Entertainment announced that it was postponing the start of the 2020 Thoroughbred meet, which was scheduled to open on April 18. The decision was made to follow the Government of Ontario’s orders to close all non-essential businesses to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Due to the postponement of the start of the season, a new stakes schedule is required and will be announced at the appropriate time.

All ticket purchasers have the option of keeping their purchased seats or receiving a full refund (including fees) at any time between now and the new date of the event through ticketmaster.ca. Fans are encouraged to visit QueensPlate.com for the latest information and updates regarding the Queen’s Plate.

(Woodbine Entertainment)