Making the most of your Plate day experience

The 167^th running of the King’s Plate will take place on Saturday, August 15^th at Woodbine Racetrack.

Here’s a go-to guide on how to make the most of your day at the historic event.

Arrive fashionably early

The first race is set to run at 12:30 p.m. (ET). Post time for themarquee event, the King’s Plate is 6:12 p.m. (ET). In order to find a great parking spot, avoid any line ups and get yourself settled in for a great day of racing we highly recommend arriving when the gates open at 11:30 a.m.

Fun fact, parking is FREE at Woodbine!

Please note, the King’s Plate is a ticketed event. You can purchase your ticket through ticketmaster.ca. If you did not purchase a ticket prior to the big day, you may be able to purchase a ticket at Woodbine’s outdoor box office (located at Gate 10).

Trot on over to the Hats and Horseshoes area for all the fun festivities

Any ticket purchase includes access to the Hats and Horseshoes (H & H) area! The H & H festivities will take place at the Grandstand 10 entrance which neatly aligns with Woodbine’s walking ring. According to Woodbine’s KP ticket guide, the H & H area is an outdoor festival featuring live DJs, food trucks, pop-ups, and interactive activations.

Where to watch live racing

If you reserved grandstand seating, you will be able to take in all the sights and sounds anywhere from the second to the fifth floor of Woodbine’s grandstand. If you purchased a general admission ticket you can walk around certain parts of the grandstand’s second level to watch racing. Or you can head down to the ground level to watch live racing from the designated open access areas on the track apron.

Additionally, there will be plenty of TVs broadcasting each racefrom the grandstand. Alternatively, you can head over to the H & H area to watch the races on their large viewing screens.  

Where to eat

On level 2 of the grandstand, you will find the steady eddie, Tim Hortons. Word to the wise, this is a very popular place, and we suggest you line up early if you don’t want to miss any of the racing action. The Stella Artois Terrace is located on the third level of the grandstand. This terrace also offers a terrific view of the finish line. On level 4, you will find the Woodbine Club Bar.

Exclusive Paris Texas Trackside Pop-up

Paris Texas ticketholders have exclusive access to the ‘Clubhouse,’ which is located trackside, where fans can watch the horses take the first turn in the King’s Plate! Paris Texas ticketholders receive a complimentary welcome drink and have access to indoor and outdoor seating. Additionally, a shuttle service is also available to these ticket holders. Please note, you must be 19 years + in order to gain access to the Clubhouse.

Betting on the races

There are many places to place a bet while you’re at the track. Whether you’re in the paddock or within the grandstand, racegoers have access to tellers or betting machines throughout the grandstand. You can also download the HPIbet app to bet straight from your phone. If you are new to racing and do not understand the ins and outs of the game – no worries. Woodbine will have wagering ambassadors on site to assist racing fans with their bets.

Understanding the racing program

It’s like a school book but for horse players and fans. There are two different printed versions available to racing fans on each race day.The first version outlines the basic information for each race while the secondary program provides more detailed information such as a horse’s past performances. The second option is also more of a keepsake, especially for King’s Plate day. Racing programs can be purchased from guest services, including the well-known spot on the second floor of the grandstand.

Tip: You can also download a free version of the race day program from Woodbine’s website. Link: https://woodbine.com/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/free_programs/Free_Program_WOT_2026-08-15.pdf

Cool fact: The racetrack is a very friendly place, and many longtime racing fans will be happy to chat about the horses and the ones to watch. So don’t be afraid to ask a stranger, ‘which horse do you like?’

The 2026 King’s Plate contenders

The $1 million King’s Plate is only open to three-year-old Ontario breds. This year, the following thoroughbreds will compete for top honours:  

1. Luster

2. Fire and Wine

3. Baaeed Alynna

4. Imyourmedicineman

5. Dixie Law

6. Don Ique

7. Magical Factor

8. Highwaytothemoon

9. Brachetto

10. Very Special

11. Bond Market

12. Military Time

There are two fillies in this year’s King’s Plate, Luster and Dixie Law. Can the girls outrun the boys? Tweet us at @HBPA_ONT and let us know your thoughts!

BEST TURNED OUT – you can vote!

You may be dressed to the nines for Plate day but if you think a horse is looking ever so dapper feel free to submit a vote for best turned-out horse. https://www.hbpa-ontario.com/test

Merch, please

King’s Plate hats, t-shirts, and trinkets can be purchased on the second floor of the grandstand area.

BY: Hayley Morrison