Woodbine Press Release
TORONTO, May 2, 2024 – The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for this Saturday and fans in Ontario will have the opportunity to bet on “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” through bet365’s app for the first time since the legalized sports betting market launched in April of 2022.
Last summer, Woodbine Entertainment and bet365 jointly announced that horse racing is available to Ontario sports bettors through bet365’s Ontario app. Since it remains illegal to offer fixed-odds on horse racing in Canada, this was made possible by integrating pari-mutuel horse racing into the global sports betting leader’s app in Ontario.
“It’s been less than a year since horse racing was integrated into the bet365 Ontario app and we have seen continued growth in both new customers and betting handle, which is encouraging,” said David Vivenes, Executive Vice President, Brand & Experience for Woodbine Entertainment. “Now with the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, we have our biggest single day opportunity to further engage with sports bettors and grow.
“Over the longer term, we see an unprecedented opportunity to engage this audience, acquire new customers, and drive handle that will increase our overall wagering revenue to support and grow horse racing and the nearly 25,000 jobs it supports here.”
The Kentucky Derby is the most bet-on race in North America, attracting novice bettors and sports fans of all kinds. It is the first leg of the US Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and features a field of 20 horses vying for the winner’s share of the $5 million purse.
This year’s Kentucky Derby will go as Race 12 on Saturday from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A total of 14 races will be held at Churchill on Derby Day, with first-race post time set for 10:30 a.m. In addition, the day will be loaded with racing action across North America, including a full racing card at Woodbine on Saturday afternoon.
All the action, entertainment, fashion and racing can be watched live in Canada on City TV from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. Post time for the 150th Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. (ET).
Here’s how to watch and wager on Saturday’s big race:
Bet the Derby through bet365
bet365 is currently Ontario’s exclusive home to Horse Racing through a sports betting platform.
This year’s Kentucky Derby will be the first offered on bet365 since legalized sports betting was introduced in Ontario in 2022.
bet365 offers wagering on tracks from across the World including Woodbine Racetrack and Churchill Downs.
To download the bet365 app, visit the App Store or Google Play.
Watch and Wager on HPIbet
HPIbet is Canada’s leader in online horse betting that offers access to thousands of races worldwide and is the ideal platform for the experienced horse racing bettor.
HPIbet offers A.I. Smart Picks and exclusive cash back rewards that players won’t get anywhere else!
Get up to $100 in free bets when you sign up at HPIbet.com!
On-Track or Champions Off-Track
Horseplayers can enjoy the thrill of Saturday’s exciting racing by visiting their local racetrack or Champions Off-Track betting location.
Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Mohawk Park will both offer live racing on Saturday, in addition to simulcast coverage from Churchill Downs and all other racing venues.
Post time at Woodbine is 1:10 p.m., while live racing at Woodbine Mohawk Park begins at 7:15 p.m. Both locations will open for simulcasting at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Champions Off-Track offer live simulcasting and wagering right in your own neighborhood. To view the list of Champions Off-Track locations, click here.
Derby Day Party at Woodbine
Enjoy a day filled with southern hospitality at Woodbine’s 5th annual Derby Day Party, presented by Bulleit Bourbon.
This Kentucky Derby viewing party is set to take place in Woodbine’s newly renovated Turf Lounge, formerly Favourites Dining Room. Guests will enjoy Southern gourmet food, dessert stations, mint juleps, and more.
Hats, fascinators, and Derby-style attire is highly encouraged. There will be a “Best Dressed” contest, photo booth, raffle prizing, and more.
To purchase tickets, click here.
