Hall of Fame trainer Roger Attfield will be recognised for a career that helped shape Canadian thoroughbred racing when Woodbine Entertainment, the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and the wider Woodbine racing community pay tribute to him during Sunday’s Woodbine Oaks Day.
Woodbine Oaks Day Roger Attfield tribute.
Attfield, who announced his retirement from training earlier this year, steps away from the sport as one of its most accomplished horsemen. Across more than four decades, his stable produced champions on both sides of the border, earning him places in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999 and the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2012.
His achievements at Woodbine remain unmatched in many respects. Attfield equalled the record with eight Queen’s Plate victories, preparing Norcliffe, Market Control, With Approval, Izvestia, Alydeed, Peteski, Regal Discovery and Not Bourbon to triumph in Canada’s most prestigious race for three-year-olds.
His success extended to the Woodbine Oaks, where Playlist, Plenty of Sugar and Capdiva all carried his colours to victory. Attfield was also named Canada’s Outstanding Trainer on eight occasions through the Sovereign Awards, underlining his consistency at the highest level.
Beyond his domestic accomplishments, Attfield’s horses excelled on the international stage. He concluded his distinguished career with 137 graded stakes victories, including one of the sport’s biggest prizes when Perfect Shirl captured the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Sunday’s Woodbine Oaks Day Roger Attfield tribute will include a special on-track ceremony immediately after the second race. Representatives from Woodbine Entertainment, the HBPA and members of the racing community will join Attfield and his guests to celebrate his remarkable contribution to the sport.
The presentation will feature a commemorative video highlighting memorable moments from Attfield’s career before the legendary trainer addresses those in attendance.
The Woodbine Oaks Day Roger Attfield tribute adds another meaningful chapter to an afternoon that already stands among the most important fixtures on the Canadian racing calendar.
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