Woodbine's Queen’s Plate has announced its rescheduled return date

The Queen’s Plate, which was postponed due to COVID-19, has announced a new date for its 161st annual event.

According to Woodbine Entertainment, the event was originally scheduled for June 27, and will now be held on September 12, 2020, at Woodbine Racetrack.

“The history of The Queen’s Plate is so rich and the fact that it’s been held every year since the inaugural race in 1860 is remarkable,” said Jim Lawson, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment.

“We are honoured to be able to continue this rich history in face of adversity by hosting the race for the 161st consecutive year.”

The $1 million stakes race was postponed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will now remain as the longest continuously run Thoroughbred stakes race in North America.

According to organizers, Woodbine’s 2020 Thoroughbred meet is scheduled to open without spectators on Saturday, June 6.

Woodbine Entertainment says it will continue to follow the most updated direction from the government and public health officials as it relates to spectators attending events.

On March 23, Woodbine Entertainment announced that it was postponing the start of the 2020 Thoroughbred meet, which was originally scheduled to open on April 18.

They said the decision was made to follow the Ontario government’s orders to close all non-essential businesses to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.