Woodbine Entertainment | Horse Racing Free Tips

The Queen’s Plate Renamed The King’s Plate

The historic Queen's Plate, North America's longest continuously run stakes race, will be renamed The King's Plate. Woodbine will run the next edition of the Canadian Classic Sunday, Aug. 20. Entry conditions for the 2023 King's Plate are unchanged with the race remaining open to all 3-year-old Thoroughbreds foaled in Canada.

“The Plate is one of the most celebrated events in horse racing, and we're proud to celebrate its history while starting a new chapter under the banner of The King's Plate,” said Jim Lawson, Woodbine Entertainment's CEO. “Those who attend can expect more than elite-level horse racing. They can soak in the elements of food, fashion, and culture that have become associated with this prestigious annual event while enjoying moments designed for a new generation of race fans. We're excited to share more details about The King's Plate in the months to come.”

First run in 1860 with a purse of 50 guineas from Queen Victoria to Canadian-bred horses, the prize from the British monarchy still continues this day. The Queen's Plate was renamed in 1901 to The King's Plate during the reign of four consecutive kings, then returned to The Queen's Plate moniker in 1952 when Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne. In September, King Charles III was named British monarch.

The King's Plate is Canada's oldest and most prestigious Thoroughbred race and the 2023 running, worth $1 million and the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, will mark the 164th edition.

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Michael Copeland and Tom Via Promoted at Woodbine

Woodbine Entertainment has made some changes to its senior leadership team, promoting Michael Copeland to President, Commercial and Tom Via to President, Operations. Both will report to CEO Jim Lawson.

“We have a tremendous amount of opportunity before us to grow our business and the horse racing industry in Ontario,” said Lawson. “I strongly believe we have the right leadership and people in place–and now we have the right structure that will enable us to maximize and fully leverage those opportunities.”

Copeland, who joined Woodbine Entertainment in 2021 as Chief Commercial Officer, will lead revenue and brand-driving functions including horse racing, wagering, technology, marketing, broadcast, customer experience, and events. He has previously run his own consulting business in the sports and entertainment sector and has been president and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts, as well as the president and COO of the Canadian Football League.

Via joined Woodbine Entertainment in 2016 as COO and will now lead operations at both Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park, while also overseeing hospitality, finance, human resources, legal, and project management. He has previously served as president and CEO of the retail chain Brookstone, been president of the Australian operations of Toys R Us, and held senior management positions at Babies R Us in both the U.S. and Canada.

Property Development at Woodbine Entertainment will continue to be led by Chief Development Officer Will Fleissig.

“While horse racing will always be at the core of everything we do, our business is becoming more and more complex and having strong leadership at the helm of operations and revenue positions us for the future growth we have in our sights,” said Lawson.

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Woodbine Teams Up With You Can Play Project

Woodbine Entertainment is partnering with the You Can Play Project (YCP) to increase the level of inclusion for everyone who participates in the sport of horse racing. This includes 2SLGBTQ+ athletes, administrators, horse people, and fans. Woodbine is the first horse racing organization in all of North America to partner with the YCP.

“This partnership is a reflection of our determination and commitment to do more to break down barriers and make our sport more inclusive,” said Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson. “Horse racing has a rich history throughout the world, but we see an opportunity to be more inclusive, and to be allies to the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

YCP works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, YCP provides support, education and outreach to ensure the 2SLGBTQ+ community is safe and welcomed in sport, and athletes and participants are judged on their skill, talent and contribution and not their sexuality or gender identity.

The partnership kicks off this June during Pride month with various initiatives planned over the next year including inclusivity training for Woodbine Entertainment staff, jockeys, drivers, trainers, and other horse racing participants. Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park will also host You Can Play themed race days in 2023 to raise awareness and 50/50 fundraising draws to support the You Can Play Project.

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Buckley Resigns From Woodbine

Woodbine's Senior Vice President of Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing Jessica Buckley resigned from her position to pursue other opportunities, according to a press release circulated on Twitter Friday. Buckley had been in that role since 2020. Prior to that, she served as President of Woodbine Mohawk Park.

“On behalf of our organization, I would like to sincerely thank Jessica for her many contributions to our business, the horse racing industry, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and both our Standardbred and Thoroughbred Racing programs,” Woodbine's Jim Lawson said in the release.

Woodbine Entertainment CCO Michael Copeland will assume the role of senior leader of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing.

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