Jockey Rafael Hernandez celebrates as he rides Caitlinhergrtness to victory in the 165th King’s Plate horse race in Toronto on Friday. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)
The 165th King's Plate horse race, North America's longest-running stakes event, is finally taking place this Friday afternoon after being postponed last weekend due to heavy rain. The race was originally set for last Saturday at the Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke, but the torrential downpour made the track too dangerous for the horses, forcing organizers to make the tough decision to reschedule.
Woodbine Entertainment CEO Michel Copeland expressed his disappointment over the postponement but was relieved that fans remained in high spirits, turning the washed-out race day into a celebration despite the weather. Copeland was thankful for the sunny conditions on Friday and praised his team for working hard to ensure the event felt like a true race day. "We've earned today's weather," Copeland said, adding that the challenges faced last weekend were overcome thanks to the unwavering support and patience of fans.
The main event kicked off at 5:34 p.m. with 13 horses competing for the $1 million prize in the King's Plate, which marks the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. Jockey Rafael Hernandez, riding Caitlinhergrtness, claimed victory in Friday's race. Before the competition, Hernandez shared that although the rain delay was disappointing, it was ultimately the right call for the safety of both jockeys and horses. He was grateful they were not forced to race in dangerous conditions last Saturday.
Despite the setbacks, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event remained high. Last weekend's cancelled race had drawn a crowd of around 17,000 people, according to Woodbine Entertainment's communications manager Leanne Elnicki. Among the attendees was Olympic gold medallist in breaking, Phil Wizard, adding a touch of star power to the day.
Many fans who attended last Saturday returned for the rescheduled event, including dedicated racegoer Stephanie Tappin. Tappin had to take a day off work to catch the race this time, but she didn’t mind. She made sure to don a fresh fascinator for the occasion, stating it was worth the extra effort. "I do tea parties and stuff, so I'm well prepared," Tappin said, embracing the spirit of the event.
Woodbine Entertainment took care of last weekend's disappointed ticket holders by offering refunds for Saturday’s grandstand tickets and allowing free entry to the grandstand on Friday. The company aimed to make amends for the unexpected changes and ensure everyone had a great time at the rescheduled race.
The King's Plate has a rich history, beginning in 1860 when the Toronto Turf Club successfully petitioned Queen Victoria to sponsor a plate for the race in Ontario. Originally called the Queen's Plate, the race held this name until 2022, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. This year’s race rebranded as the King’s Plate following the ascension of King Charles III, continues the tradition that has spanned over a century and a half.
