This week the Woodbine Entertainment Group unveiled its plans for the live concert that it has planned for Queen’s Plate Day, Sunday, July 3 at Woodbine Racetrack. In addition to being a great show in itself, the concert serves as an opportunity to introduce different demographics to live horse racing – especially those that are fans of the Canadian music scene.

According to a release that was issued earlier this week, Award-winning Canadian rockers Hedley, Matthew Good and The Strumbellas will be showcased during the concert. The full musical lineup will also include Andrew Hyatt, Emerson Street Rhythm Band, The Pick Brothers Band and River Town Saints, on three stages throughout Woodbine Racetrack grounds.

"Our focus is to make the Queen's Plate a great guest experience," said Woodbine Entertainment Group CEO Jim Lawson. "Adding world-renowned musical acts to this truly special day of horse racing is the latest example of how Woodbine is building events that bring together the best entertainment offerings in a single, can't-miss occasion and introducing the sport to thousands of potential new fans."

Musical acts are the latest addition to an extensive offering of race-day events and attractions that includes the ‘Hats & Horseshoes Party,’ ‘Rethink at the Races,’ food trucks and the main event, the running of the 157th Queen's Plate.

The Hats & Horseshoes Party – presented by Stella Artois and hosted by the co-hosts of The Social – is a race-day favourite among young urbanites and style-setters who turn out in fascinators and seersucker suits. At this event-within-the-event, guests can walk the Pink Carpet sponsored by Pink Tartan, play croquet and other lawn games, participate in the Best Dressed contests for men and women, enjoy fine food and cocktails, and watch musical guests The Pick Brothers Band and Emerson Street Rhythm Band on the H&H Stage. Suggested attire and more information can be found at queensplate.com.

Rethink at the Races is a stylish garden party in support of Rethink Breast Cancer. Rethink Breast Cancer and Woodbine Entertainment Group first partnered in 2014 and created Rethink at the Races, an exclusive event at the Queen's Plate for breast cancer survivors, supporters and guests. To date, Rethink Breast Cancer has raised over $120,000 through the Rethink at the Races event.

An eclectic assortment of food trucks will be parked within the grounds for guests to enjoy. Options include seafood from Buster's Sea Cove, sustainable local fare from Heirloom, burgers from Kevin's Burger Obession, and grilled cheese from Meltdown Cheesery.

Access to all concerts, grounds, and the Hats & Horseshoes Party is included with a $15 general admission ticket available now through ticketmaster.ca. For tickets and more information about grounds access and seating please visit queensplate.com.

The Queen's Plate is one of Canada's oldest and most prestigious events, attracting horse racing fans, style-setters and entertainment-seekers, with more than 35,000 people in attendance last year. In 2015 the one and a quarter-mile race, for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, was captured by Shaman Ghost.

Inaugurated with royal blessing in 1860, the running of the Queen's Plate has taken place each year since. The history of the race is closely linked with that of Toronto, and is regarded around the world as an event of international importance within the horse racing community. Each year, a member of the Royal Family or representative of the Monarchy in Canada attends the event and awards the Queen's Plate trophy to the winning owner.

(With files from WEG / Queen’s Plate)