Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto is Canada’s premier destination for horse racing and betting. Known for the King’s Plate and the Canadian Triple Crown, Woodbine offers exciting wagering opportunities for both new and experienced bettors. This guide covers how to bet on Woodbine races, the most popular wager types, and the best Canadian horse racing sportsbooks to get started.
Latest Woodbine Betting Odds
Looking for the hottest Woodbine odds? We have your back with the latest Breeders’ Stakes odds—the final leg of the Canadian Triple Crown.
How to Bet Online on Woodbine Horse Racing
No need to hoof it to the track—these days, you can rein in all the Woodbine horse betting action from the comfort of your own stable. Here’s how to bet on Woodbine horse racing in just a few simple steps!
- Choose Your Platform. If you’re in Ontario, use HPIbet, Woodbine’s official online betting platform, or bet365, the official betting partner of Woodbine Racetrack in Canada. Both offer secure online betting with live streaming, odds updates, and mobile apps.
- Create and Verify Your Account. Sign up on your chosen platform by entering your personal details and creating a password. You’ll need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID before placing bets.
- Deposit Funds. Go to the cashier or wallet section, choose your preferred payment method, enter the amount, and deposit money to fund your betting account.
- Pick Your Race and Horse. Select Woodbine Racetrack and the specific race you want to bet on. Browse the horses, their odds, and past performance if you want to handicap your picks.
- Select Your Bet Type and Amount. Choose from common bets like win, place, or show, or try exotic bets like exacta, trifecta, or multi-race wagers. Enter the amount you want to wager based on your bankroll and confidence.
- Place Your Bet and Confirm. Review your bet slip carefully. Confirm the bet to lock it in. You can watch live streaming on both HPIbet and bet365 platforms during the race. That’s it!
After the race is official, check the results. If you win, your winnings will be credited to your account automatically. Withdraw or reinvest your funds as you like. Both HPIbet and bet365 create a smooth, flexible experience for betting on Woodbine horse races online anytime, anywhere in Canada.
⭐ If you are outside Ontario, you can legally bet on Woodbine races through other provincially licensed sportsbooks or horse racing platforms in the “grey market” available in your location. Many provinces have their own regulated horse betting options or allow bettors to use sanctioned online sites that cover Woodbine races. Check out the best horse racing betting sites in Canada here!
bet365 Woodbine Betting in Ontario
bet365 and Woodbine Racetrack formed an official partnership to bring horse racing betting to Ontario sports bettors through bet365’s licensed platform. bet365 holds exclusive branding rights at Woodbine’s track and receives naming rights for several areas and stakes races. This agreement allows bet365 customers in Ontario to access and place pari-mutuel wagers on Woodbine’s races all within bet365’s online sportsbook and mobile app.
bet365 Woodbine Betting Features:
bet365 boasts top-tier live streaming and in-race betting on select races, superior odds, and flexible bet types like exactas, trifectas, and place/show wagers (talk about the full track experience!). Whether you’re backing the favourite or saddling up with a longshot down the stretch, bet365 delivers real-time action, seamless transactions, and one of the best online betting experiences on the market.
👉 You can sign up with bet365 here!
HPIbet Woodbine Betting
HPIbet is Canada’s official online horse racing and betting platform, designed for wagering on tracks like Woodbine Racetrack. With HPIbet, you can stream live races, browse real‑time odds, and place bets on win, place, show, or exotic wagers, all from your phone or computer. It’s beginner‑friendly, secure, and the easiest way to enjoy major Canadian races such as the King’s Plate and the Canadian Triple Crown.
⭐ Highlights:
- Live Video Streaming — Watch horse races live from hundreds of tracks worldwide while placing bets.
- Rewards Program — Earn points and cashback on wagers, with exclusive offers for Ontario users.
- User-Friendly Platform — Real-time odds, detailed horse data, and a mobile-friendly design for smooth betting.
Woodbine Betting Odds: Popular Races
Thanks to Woodbine’s all-weather Tapeta surface, the track hosts a lengthy live racing season from mid-April to early December, with races held on Wednesdays, and Fridays through Sundays (plus some holiday Mondays). And if you’re betting year-round, the simulcast facility stays open seven days a week.
Wondering what the biggest Woodbine races are? Let’s trot through Canada’s most popular races!
King’s Plate at Woodbine Racetrack
Each August, the King’s Plate (or the “Queen’s Plate,” depending on the reigning monarch) gallops into the spotlight as the crown jewel of Canadian racing. It’s the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, where the country’s fastest three-year-olds line up at the gate for a shot at glory!
For Canadian breeders, this isn’t just any race—it’s the ultimate finish line. The King’s Plate is Canada’s equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, and it’s just as much of a thoroughbred throwdown. Some folks south of the border might downplay it, but trust us—this race is no ponyshow.
Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack
The Breeders’ Stakes is the final—and arguably toughest—jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown. If the Belmont Stakes is America’s “test of champions,” then the Breeders’ Stakes is Canada’s “test of the immortals.” Trust us—it’s no trot in the park.
It takes one hell of a pedigree to switch from dirt to turf, stretch out to 1 1/2 miles, and do it all on short rest—especially against rivals who likely skipped the Prince of Wales Stakes after falling short in the King’s Plate and are coming in fresh.
Woodbine Mile
The Woodbine Mile typically runs in mid-September and has become one of Canada’s most prestigious turf races. As part of the “Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In” Challenge Series, it attracts top international horses aiming to score their golden ticket to the Breeders’ Cup.
Featuring both male and female contenders on the E.P. Taylor Turf Course, the Woodbine Mile consistently delivers high-stakes action. Thanks to Woodbine Entertainment’s efforts, the Woodbine Mile has become a must-watch event on the global racing calendar.
Woodbine Oaks
Held in July, the Woodbine Oaks features three-year-old fillies—and lately, they’ve been stealing the show. In recent years, these fierce fillies haven’t just won the Oaks—they’ve gone on to dominate the boys in the King’s Plate. Just ask Moira, who pulled off the Oaks–Queen’s Plate double in 2022.
This is your sign not to sleep on the Woodbine Oaks. We promise it’s not just a warm-up act—it’s often the first gallop to greatness. Check out the hottest Woodbine races on bet365 to get started.
How to Read Woodbine Racetrack Betting Odds
Let’s run through the basics so you can score the best Woodbine betting odds, whether you’re spending your morning at Woodbine Racetrack or scrolling for the sharpest odds.
Odds are typically displayed in three main formats:
| American odds | Fractional odds | Decimal Odds |
|---|---|---|
| +450 | 9/2 | 5.5 |
| -200 | 1/2 | 1.5 |
If you’re a seasoned sports bettor looking to stirrup some excitement with horse racing, you’re likely already familiar with American odds—where shorter odds (-) indicate the favourite, and longer odds determine the underdogs. However, sportsbooks typically use fractional odds for betting and decimal odds to announce payouts for horse racing odds.
Fractional odds are basically “how much money you will win“ / “how much money you wager,” so, with nine-to-two (AKA 9/2) odds, you’d have to wager $2 to win $9 in profit (and receive $11 total with your original stake returned).
When it’s time to dive into the prize pool, payouts are displayed using decimal odds, which show your total return per dollar wagered, including your original stake. So, 5.50 means you’ll get $5.50 total for every $1 bet, which is $4.50 in profit plus your original $1 stake back. The higher the decimal, the bigger the potential payout.
When in doubt, you can always use our free bet calculator!
Types of Woodbine Horse Racing Bets
Up next are the different bet types (AKA betting markets) you can expect when betting on most Woodbine mile thoroughbred races. Check out our comprehensive horse betting guide to learn how to leverage each of these betting markets and how to stay ahead of the competition.
🥇 Win Bets
Win bets are exactly what they sound like: you’re wagering on a horse to win (or finish first). If your pick crosses the wire first, you win! If it doesn’t, the bet’s a bust. Although win bets are easy wagers in horse racing and the go-to “straight bet” for many bettors, these bets don’t offer any wiggle room.
🥇 🥈 Place Bets
Wagering on a horse to finish first or second? You’ve just saddled up with a place bet! If your horse claims either of the top two spots, you’ll win a share of the prize pool. Third place? You’re out! It’s a safer play than a win bet—but that extra layer of protection comes at a cost (AKA a smaller payout).
🥇 🥈 🥉Show Bets
A show bet lets you cash in if your horse finishes first, second, or third—if your pick hits the board, you’re winning big (well, moderately since it’s just a show). It’s one of the most beginner-friendly bets, offering more consistent wins—perfect for rookies or bettors building their bankroll one bet at a time.
1️⃣2️⃣ Exacta Bets
Kicking up the horsepower, we have the first of the “exotic” bets. With exacta bets, you’re wagering on the first two finishers in the exact order. Nail it, and the payouts can be downright decadent! But watch out because there’s no room for mix-ups. Mix the order, and you’re out of luck!
1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ Trifecta Bets
A trifecta bet is when you bet on the first three horses to finish in the correct order (of course) if you’re going with a straight. Need a bit of breathing room? Depending on how you “box” (cover multiple finishing combinations) the trifecta, your horses can finish in any order—but it’ll up your total stake.
🏇 🏇 Multi-Race Bets
Looking to bet on multiple races? Parlay bettors are in luck with Woodbine’s multi-race wagers. There are Daily Doubles and Pick 3, 4, 5, and 6s, where you’ll wager on the winner of multiple consecutive races—we’ll let you figure out how many. 😉
The Various Racetracks at Woodbine
If you ever have the chance to bet trackside in Toronto at Woodbine Racetrack, you’re in for a real treat! There are three distinct tracks giving bettors multiple ways to enjoy Woodbine racetrack betting:
- Tapeta Track
- E.P Taylor Turf Course
- Inner Turf Course
Although many racetracks switched from dirt to synthetic surfaces in the mid-2000s, most eventually reverted to traditional dirt tracks, primarily due to the high maintenance costs associated with synthetic surfaces. Today, Woodbine stands out as one of the few North American racetracks still committed to synthetic footing, prioritizing safety for both horses and jockeys.
Whether you’re wagering on the Woodbine Mile thoroughbred race (on turf) or the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown (on Tapeta), we’ve got your back with superior Woodbine Racetrack betting tips and expert picks.
About the Tracks
The main Tapeta track is a smooth, all-weather surface primarily used for major events, including the prestigious King’s Plate at Woodbine. The outer track surrounding the main track is the E.P. Taylor Turf Course—a natural grass track known for wide turns and top turf races like the Woodbine Mile thoroughbred race. Inside both tracks is the Inner Turf Course, which is used for sprints and lower-distance races on turf courses.
Tapeta Track at Woodbine Racetrack
- Surface Material: Synthetic (Tapeta)
- Race Types: Thoroughbred flat racing
- Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) with chutes available for 7 furlongs (0.875 miles / 1.4 km) and 1 1/4 miles (2.01 km) races
- Primary Purpose: Main track for most races, including the King’s Plate
E.P. Taylor Turf Course at Woodbine Racetrack
- Surface Material: Natural grass (turf)
- Race Type: Thoroughbred turf racing
- Distance: 1 1/2 miles (2.4 km) with chutes available for 1 1/8 miles (1.8 km)
- Primary Purpose: Major turf stakes races; this outermost track offers wide, sweeping turns and is used for events like the E.P. Taylor Stakes and Woodbine Mile thoroughbred race
Inner Turf Course at Woodbine Racetrack
- Surface Material: Turf
- Racing Type: Shorter distance turf races
- Distance: 7 furlongs (0.875 miles or 1.4km)
- Primary Purpose: Used primarily for inner turf sprint races and some lower-distance events
- Fun fact: Until 2018, Woodbine was the only North American racetrack that could offer thoroughbred and standardbred races on the same day, thanks to its inner standardbred track.
How Each Track Impacts Betting
At Woodbine, the type of track really steers how a race plays out. Horses that know their way around turf can unleash a powerful late kick, perfect for the wide, sweeping turns of the E.P. Taylor Turf Course. Tapeta, on the other hand, evens the playing field.
There are no dirt tracks at Woodbine. Notably, this plays a key role in handicapping, as horses with experience on synthetic surfaces often have an edge over competitors shipping in from standard dirt tracks.
When it comes to Woodbine horse betting, picking winners is all about knowing who can handle which track. Dirt racers might find the surface tricky to navigate, while local runners with experience on turf or Tapeta are more likely to lead the pack. Before you place your next bet, check who’s built for the surface—or your horse might fade before the final furlong.
More Horse Racing Resources:
- Best Horse Racing Betting Sites
- Beginner’s Guide: How to Bet on Horse Racing
- Latest Horse Racing Odds
Major Horse Racing Events to Bet On
- Triple Crown
- Kentucky Derby
- Preakness Stakes
- Belmont Stakes
- King’s Plate
- Prince of Wales Stakes
- Breeders’ Stakes
- Breeders Cup
A Century in the Saddle: The History of Woodbine Racetrack
Woodbine Racetrack has long been the crown jewel of Canadian horse racing. While the modern track opened in 1956, replacing the aging “Old Woodbine Racetrack,” Toronto’s racing roots date back to 1874, when the original Woodbine Race Course first opened its gates to eager crowds.
Designed as a “super track” to spotlight elite Thoroughbred talent, the new Woodbine set a new standard for Canadian racing—and it’s been galloping ahead ever since.
Reins of Glory: Racing Icons to the Modern Era
Owned and operated by Woodbine Entertainment Group, the racetrack has hosted countless iconic moments, including the legendary Secretariat’s final race in 1973, when he dominated the field at the Canadian International Stakes. That farewell performance cemented Woodbine’s place in the global racing scene and set the stage for even more elite competitions and international recognition.
In 1994, Woodbine made history again by becoming the first North American track to host Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing on the same day—an achievement that highlighted its versatility and ambition.
The Evolution of Woodbine Entertainment
Since the 2019 merger of Woodbine Racetrack and Woodbine Entertainment, the facility has further leaned into its entertainment roots. The brand has gone beyond just racing, launching Woodbine Entertainment’s Ignite World Racing initiative to grow the sport’s fan base and usher in a modern era of innovation.
With integrated horse racing broadcasts on Sportsnet, fans can now watch major races like the King’s Plate at Woodbine live from anywhere in Canada. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking for some tips before your first wager, there’s never been a better time to hit the races (on turf courses or otherwise).
More Than a Racetrack
Today, this Ontario racetrack is more than just a place to watch the ponies. It sits at the heart of an entertainment district that includes the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto (at Woodbine), which opened in 2023 with over 4,800 slot machines, 145 live tables, and top-tier accommodations.
Woodbine isn’t just keeping up—it’s setting the pace. With modern amenities, cutting-edge media coverage, and a renewed focus on entertainment, it remains one of Canada’s most treasured sporting venues. Whether you’re trackside or tuning in from home, there’s always a feature race worth watching.
Recap: Saddle Up with Woodbine Betting
Now that you’ve reined in Woodbine Racetrack betting like a seasoned jockey, you’re likely champing at the bit to hit the races (and the books!). Whether you’re backing a longshot or playing it safe with a show bet, we’ve got you covered. Check out our expert tips, picks, and reviews to saddle up with confidence and ride your betting strategy straight to the winner’s circle. Please play responsibly.
Woodbine Betting FAQs
You can bet on Woodbine horse races by signing up with bet365, the official betting partner of Woodbine Racetrack or using the racetrack’s own wagering platform, HPIbet. Choose your race, pick a horse, and place a bet type such as win, place, show, exacta, or trifecta. Bets can be made online, at the track, or through mobile betting apps in Canada.
The minimum bet at Woodbine Racetrack is usually $2 for standard wagers like win, place, and show. Some online platforms and self-serve terminals also offer fractional bets for exotic wagers, making it easier to play more combinations at a lower cost.
The King’s Plate—formerly known as the Queen’s Plate until the passing of Queen Elizabeth II—is Canada’s oldest Thoroughbred horse race, dating all the way back to 1860.
Woodbine first opened its doors in 1874, and in 1956, the ageing track was replaced with a modern new venue.