SHEDROW OF THE MONTH RETURNS TO WOODBINE AND FORT ERIE The HBPA, along with Woodbine Entertainment and Fort Erie Racetrack, are pleased to announce David Borsk, Sharon Ceccato and their teams as the June winners for Shedrow of the Month. As this month’s winners the HBPA, along with Woodbine and Fort Erie will be providing David and Sharon with a cheque, their teams will received breakfast, and they will have pride of place with the Shedrow of the Month sign displayed outside

SHEDROW OF THE MONTH RETURNS TO WOODBINE AND FORT ERIE The HBPA, along with Woodbine Entertainment and Fort Erie Racetrack, are pleased to announce the return of the Shedrow of the Month program at both Woodbine Racetrack and Fort Erie Racetrack. The initiative recognizes trainers and stable teams who take pride in maintaining and presenting their barn shedrows, both inside and out. Beginning in June and continuing through October, one outfit at each track will be selected mo

1. How do you think things went in 2025, primarily with both wagering and track conditions at Woodbine? Things in 2025 were generally acceptable. We have real concerns regarding the decline in wagering. While this is an industry wide trend, our home market continues to be particularly affected, which negatively impacts TIP, the purse account, and Woodbine’s overall revenue. We have also continued to receive complaints about the track surfaces. This year, the training track in

Earlier today, Hall of Fame trainer and HBPA director Roger Attfield, announced his retirement from training. This marks the end of an extraordinary training career defined by excellence, integrity, and lasting contributions to horse racing. "A true legend of the sport, Roger's achievements have earned him a well-deserved place among racing's greats across North America. His dedication, horsemanship, and countless successes have left an indelible mark on the industry and insp

WELCOME BACK MEMBERS! The HBPA Board of Directors extends a warm welcome to all members returning from the winter break. We trust that you enjoyed a restful and protective offseason. As we begin a new year of racing, we look forward to the continued dedication, professionalism and commitment from all members of the racing community. We hope this upcoming season presents valuable opportunities to build upon past successes, while upholding the highest levels of safety, integrit

By Steve Buffery A few weeks ago, thoroughbred training legend Roger Attfield was working around his off-season home in Stuart, Florida when he started feeling a pain around his midsection. “I’d been lifting some heavy stuff and doing a lot of landscaping with lumber and I thought maybe I was getting a hernia,” Attfield said. “But (the pain) kept on going. And then, all of a sudden, I started getting these shooting pains and I thought, ‘That’s not right.’ “So, they put me in

The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario would like to congratulate board member Kevin Attard on reaching an incredible milestone—900 career training victories. Attard recorded the landmark win on March 12 at Gulfstream Park when Murabeh captured a one-mile turf race. The victory marked the 900th of Attard’s career and another major achievement for one of Canada’s leading trainers. A longtime fixture on the backstretch at Woodbine Racetrack , Attard

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a program funded by the HBPA that provides members, their workers and family members with direct access to experienced professional support to help resolve concerns before they affect workers health, family life or job performance. Any discussions members have with an EAP representative, in person or over the phone, are strictly confidential. Angini, the FSEAP designated representative, will be back at Woodb

LAND DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC MEETINGS The City of Toronto is holding two information sessions regarding the Woodbine Secondary Plan Study and Phases 1 and 2 of the associated Transportation Master Plan for the Woodbine GO Station and Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC). The Woodbine Secondary Plan Study is being undertaken to develop a vision and comprehensive planning framework for the study area. The framework will form the foundation for the Woodbine Secondary Plan, Urban Design

We look forward to opening of the Woodbine Backstretch on Sunday February 22nd for set up. You can ship in on Monday February 23rd. Please take note of the following details: The sand ring will open on Tuesday, February 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ONLY - Weather Permitting. The Training Track will open Friday, February 27th from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ONLY - Weather Permitting Clockers will be available as of Sunday , March 15th Gate Schooling will be anticipa

From the barn to the track. We are owners, trainers, grooms, and horsepeople - united by passion, resilience, and a commitment to the future of our sport. This is who we are.

The Big Stakes & Classic Performances The 166th King’s Plate — August 16, 2025 Santino Di Paola Photo - The Roar The most storied race in Canadian horse racing delivered in thrilling fashion at Woodbine with Mansetti taking the crown in the 166th King’s Plate, earning a dramatic victory for trainer Kevin Attard and jockey Pietro Moran. The 3-year-old colt clocked 2:03.68 over 1¼ miles on Tapeta, fending off a competitive field in one of Canada’s signature events. This win mar

Morning Light - Santino Di Paola Please note that training on the main track from Monday December 8 th to Friday December 12 th will remain at 5:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. with a harrow break from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Next Thursday’s (December 11) card of live racing at Woodbine Racetrack will now begin one hour earlier at 4:30 p.m. The earlier start time is to accommodate a 10-race card after yesterday’s program was cancelled following one race. Thank you. Training Track will c

The board of directors of the HBPA and its members are saddened to learn of the sudden passing of popular trainer Mike Doyle on December 4. Mike was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame this past August and was in Florida preparing to retire from a long and successful career of training and managing racehorses. He leaves his wife Deidre, son Marshall and daughter Melissa along with many other family members and friends. “Mike was a dynamic character and a long

BACKSTRETCH APPRECIATION DAY Last week we celebrated our hard-working backstretch workers with our annual Backstretch Appreciation Day. Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Exercise Riders, Grooms and Hotwalkers came by our HBPA office at Woodbine to pick up a free hoodie. As part of the celebrations the HBPA formally recognized three Outstanding Grooms and Assistant Trainers. Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners: Grooms Assistant Trainers Michelle Armata for Mike De

FUNDRAISER FOR JAMAICA Santino Di Paola Photo Members, As you are all aware, Hurricane Melissa has devasted the island of Jamaica. In attempt to help and acknowledging our hardworking backstretch workers from Jamaica, the HBPA is doing a fundraiser to assist those who have been affected. The Jockey's agents, led by Neal Wilson, have graciously volunteered to help sell tickets for our 50/50 draw. Starting Monday November 3rd tickets will be available to purchase for $10 each.

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Jointly with the HBPA, we would like to share an update on the use of the Bio-Security Fund for the cautionary measures implemented in...

MONTHLY DRAW FOR TRAINERS – AUGUST WINNER Last month the HBPA drew the winner for the 2 x $500 gift card to be used at a tack shop of...