Poulin in O T winning the Frost King Stakes in October 2022 at Woodbine. (Michael Burns photo)
Woodbine Press Release
TORONTO, On. – Woodbine Entertainment today released the nominations for the 2023 OLG Canadian Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, consisting of The King’s Plate, Prince of Wales and Breeders’ Stakes.
A total of 124 three-year-old thoroughbreds, foaled in Canada, have been nominated to this year’s OLG Canadian Triple Crown. The number of nominees is up from 100 last year and is on par with 125 in 2021.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. (OLG) will return as title sponsor of the Canadian Triple Crown in 2023, further demonstrating OLG’s commitment to supporting the horse racing industry.
With the start of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown remaining in August for 2023, the closing date for nominations to this year’s Triple Crown was adjusted from the usual date of February 1 to April 5.
Velocitor winning on September 22, 2022, at Woodbine. (Michael Burns photo)
The 164th running of The King’s Plate, for a purse of $1 million, will launch the 2023 OLG Canadian Triple Crown on Sunday, August 20 at Woodbine Racetrack. The Prince of Wales, scheduled for Tuesday, September 12 at Fort Erie Race Track, and the Breeders’ Stakes, scheduled for Sunday, October 1 at Woodbine, complete the Triple Crown.
The OLG Canadian Triple Crown is uniquely contested over three different racing surfaces, Tapeta (The King’s Plate), Dirt (Prince of Wales) and Turf (Breeders’ Stakes).
The list of nominees includes star performers from last season, winners south of the border over the winter and many preparing for the upcoming Woodbine meet.
To view the full list of nominees to the 2023 OLG Canadian Triple Crown, click here.
Below are a few of the notable nominees:
Ancient Peace (Filly) Owner: Boardshorts Stables LLC Trainer: John Sadler Career Record: 3-2-0-0 ($83,900) Notable Victories: Allowance (April 8, 2023 – Santa Anita), Maiden Special Weight (December 30, 2022 – Santa Anita)
Armstrong Owner: Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Gary Barber Trainer: Mark Casse Career Record: 4-2-0-1 ($121,775) Notable Victories: Clarendon Stakes (December 9, 2022 – Woodbine)
Mission of Joy (Filly) Owner: RyZan Sun Racing LLC, Madaket Stables LLC Trainer: Graham Motion Career Record: 4-3-0-0 ($119,807) Notable Victories: Gr. 3 Florida Oaks (March 11, 2023 – Tampa Bay)
Philip My Dear winning the Cup and Saucer Stakes in October 2022, at Woodbine. (Michael Burns photo)
Philip My Dear Owner: Raroma Stable LLC Trainer: Kevin Attard Career Record: 5-3-0-2 ($305,762) Notable Victories: Cup and Saucer Stakes (October 9, 2022 – Woodbine), Soaring Free Stakes (August 20, 2022 – Woodbine)
Poulin in O TOwner: Steve Owens, Empress Stable Trainer: Steve Owens Career Record: 6-4-1-0 ($209,723) Notable Victories: Frost King Stakes (October 14, 2022 – Woodbine), Bull Page Stakes (September 24, 2022 – Woodbine), Victoria Stakes (July 17, 2022 – Woodbine)
Velocitor Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling Trainer: Kevin Attard Career Record: 5-3-1-1 ($224,190) Notable Victories: Coronation Futurity (November 6, 2022 – Woodbine)
The nominations for the 68th running of the Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, have also been released. A total of 63 three-year-old fillies, foaled in Canada, have been nominated to the prestigious event. Last year’s race saw eventual Canadian Horse of the Year Moira score the victory a month prior to winning The Queen’s Plate.
This year’s Woodbine Oaks, presented by Budweiser, will be run on Sunday, July 23.
For the latest news and updates on the OLG Canadian Triple Crown and Woodbine racing, visit Woodbine.com or follow the Woodbine Racetrack social media channels @WoodbineTB.
