In September 2026, two of North America’s longest Thoroughbred racetracks, Belmont Park and Woodbine, will reopen after undergoing extensive renovations. Belmont Park features a 1.5-mile dirt oval known as “Big Sandy,” while Woodbine is home to the EP Taylor Turf Course, a beautifully designed 1.5-mile grass track that stands out among the continent’s premier flat turf courses.
The EP Taylor Turf Course, built in 1994 and named after renowned Canadian jockey Edward Plunkett Taylor, is one of the most popular turf tracks in the U.S. Located adjacent to the grandstand, Woodbine’s turf track is unique for its width and importance, second only to Kentucky Downs in North America. At 12 furlongs, it is longer than Kentucky Downs and comparable to some of the world’s notable courses like those at Longchamp and Meydan.
This turf track features an asymmetrical layout with three distinct turns and a notably long home stretch of over 400 meters, which challenges horses and jockeys alike, especially those unaccustomed to switching leads on long stretches. European horses and trainers, especially Britain’s Charlie Appleby with his Godolphin stable, have excelled here, dominating several Grade 1 races like the Woodbine Mile and Canadian International.
Woodbine’s four Grade 1 turf stakes are also part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, underscoring the track’s importance in international racing. The course is set to reopen for Turf Champions Day, a major event typically held in September, following renovations designed to improve drainage and turf quality, particularly on the backstretch which had suffered from decades of wear.
Woodbine is investing over 10 million Canadian dollars in refurbishing nearly seven furlongs of the course with advanced drainage systems and high-quality Kentucky bluegrass, a grass ideal for racetracks due to its even growth and durability. The maintenance of the course is intensive, involving meticulous care to keep the turf in world-class condition, ready for major races like the Breeders’ Stakes, part of the Canadian Triple Crown.
This renovation honors the legacy of Edward Plunkett Taylor, who envisioned Canadian racing adopting the British model of turf racing. Woodbine continues to thrive as a venue that attracts top global talent, highlighted by its close ties to Europe and the prestigious racing events it hosts.
Fan Take: This reopening marks a thrilling moment for horse racing enthusiasts, as it promises to elevate the quality of turf racing in North America. The upgraded tracks will attract elite international competitors and showcase thrilling performances, potentially boosting the sport’s global prestige and fan engagement.
