WOODBINE: WHERE CHAMPIONS RACE - GREAT MOMENTS

It was called, "The Giant of the North" - Woodbine Track, sitting majestically on the then-barren flatland in northwest Toronto, was officially opened on June 12, 1956, and is the crown jewel in the series of tracks owned and operated by the Ontario Jockey Club; built under the vision and foresight of E.P. Taylor. His dream was to build a track with facilities for horsemen and fans second to none; a track that would attract the superstars of international racing. Even E.P. Taylor could not have imagined in his wildest dreams that Woodbine would become one of the most well-known tracks in the entire racing world.

Memories of Woodbine's biggest stars and historical events are recalled: the role of the British Royal Family in Canada's premier race, The Queen's Plate; jockey AVELINO GOMEZ and his fatal track accident and VICTORIA PARK's 1960 Queen Plate.

In '64 NORTHERN DANCER - a Canadian sports legend made a triumphant return to Woodbine after having won the first two jewels of the American Triple Crown. His return for the running of the Queen's Plate touched off a tremendous outpouring of emotion and adoring fans lined the walking ring to get a glimpse of him - he went on to inhale the field and won the race by 7-1/2 lengths! This was to be, "THE DANCER's", last race - a tendon injury closed the book on a tremendous racing career, however, what closed the book on a career was to be the first page of a truly unbelievable story: NORTHERN DANCER would go on to become the world's most influential stallion. The memory of NORTHERN DANCER lives on with each generation of spirited champions and also lives at Woodbine where a life-sized bronze statue of him was unveiled on Canada Day in 1992 - the statue capturing that charismatic little horse in the peak of his productive years overlooking the walking ring - it's as if he's casting even today an approving glance on the stars of another generation.

Watch ALYDEED dominate the 1992 Queen's Plate field by 12 lengths, WITH APPROVAL hits the wire in the 1989 Queen's Plate and goes on to become Canada's first Triple Crown winner since 1963, VESTIA crushes the '190 field and DANCE SMARTLY becomes the first filly Canadian Triple Crown winner taking the Queen's Plate and Breeders' Cup Distaff in devastating style. Other rare racing footage includes: WHISTLING SEA, REGAL INTENTION, MARKET CONTROL, NEW PROVIDENCE, and ROYAL CHOCOLATE.

But in 1973, two stars shown the brightest at Woodbine: jockey SANDY HAWLEY winning 515 races in one season and the arrival of SECRETARIAT for his last race, The Canadian International Turf Classic. That Autumn of 1973 the world watched as the greatest Horse of the Century and perhaps of all time made his presence felt at Woodbine as thousands of fans gathered as he took to the track for his final workout - some waited hours just to get a peek at this regal king. In the race, he emerged through the gloom, steam belching from his nostrils like a freight train and hit the wire beating the best turf horses of his era including Canada's Horse-of-the-Year, KENNEDY ROAD. A day, a moment, and a race to remember for a lifetime - SECRETARIAT's last race would set the stage for others to try the grass at Woodbine.

Equines DAHLIA, SNOW KNIGHT, YOUTH, ALL ALONG, RIVER MEMORIES, INFAMY, FRENCH GLORY, SKY CLASSIC and jockeys LONGDEN, PINCAY, SHOEMAKER, PIGGOTT, and CAUTHEN would also pass through Woodbine on their way to greatness.

These champions both equine and human have added to the lore of Canada's showplace of racing and year after year, new generations of champions continue to converge to Woodbine to contest their most prestigious races. One of the greatest honors bestowed upon Woodbine was in 1993 - it became the first track outside of the U.S. to host a Breeders' Cup event. A delightful and historical piece that any horse racing fan would appreciate!


(30 Minutes)