What is the King's Plate
The Queen’s Plate, now known as the King’s Plate, is Canada’s oldest and most prestigious horse race. It is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown and is run annually at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The race is restricted to three-year-old Thoroughbreds foaled in Canada and is contested at a distance of 1¼ miles on a synthetic Tapeta surface.
The name of the race changes depending on the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. From 1952 to 2022, during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, it was called the Queen’s Plate. Following the ascension of King Charles III, the race was renamed the King’s Plate starting in 2023.
A Historic Tradition
First run in 1860, the race was originally called the Queen’s Plate in honor of Queen Victoria and has remained under royal patronage ever since. It is the longest continuously run stakes race in North America and one of Canada’s most beloved sporting traditions.
Winning the Plate has long been a goal for Canadian breeders and owners, and it holds a similar level of national significance to what the Kentucky Derby represents in the United States.
Over the years, the race has evolved in surface, location, and format, but its prestige has remained intact.
Position in the Canadian Triple Crown
The King’s Plate serves as the opening leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. The other two races in the series are:
- The Prince of Wales Stakes (run on dirt)
- The Breeders’ Stakes (run on turf)
Unlike the American Triple Crown, which is run entirely on dirt, the Canadian version tests horses across three different surfaces, making a sweep of all three races an especially rare feat.
Race Conditions and Style
The race is run on a synthetic surface at Woodbine, which often brings in a different style of runner than typical dirt classics. Horses with turf backgrounds or synthetic experience often have an edge.
Because it’s limited to Canadian-bred horses, the King’s Plate tends to feature a smaller but deeply competitive pool of runners, many of whom are being pointed to this race from the beginning of their three-year-old campaigns.
Jockey strategy, early positioning, and experience over the Tapeta surface are all key factors when evaluating contenders.
Notable Winners
The race has produced several standout Canadian champions, including:
- Northern Dancer (1964), who went on to become one of the most influential sires in history
- With Approval (1989), who swept the Canadian Triple Crown
- Wando (2003), another rare Triple Crown winner
- Moira (2022), a dominant filly who set a stakes record on her way to victory
These winners have helped cement the race’s status as a showcase for Canada’s best.
Final Thoughts
The King’s Plate is a cornerstone of Canadian racing, blending tradition, national pride, and high-level competition. Whether you follow it for its breeding significance, as part of the Triple Crown chase, or for its historical value, it remains one of the most meaningful races on the calendar.
To follow Canadian results and top-level performances, visit the EquinEdge Results page for real-time outcomes from Woodbine and other major North American tracks.
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