The anticipation is reaching fever pitch at Woodbine Racetrack as racing fans count down the days to Turf Champions Day 2025, set for Saturday, September 13. Known as one of the most celebrated events on Canada’s racing calendar, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable afternoon featuring three Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” contests, including the prestigious $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile.
The backstretch has been alive with energy all week, as trainers fine-tune their contenders and jockeys map out race strategies. Horses are arriving from across North America and Europe, underscoring the international allure of this action-packed day.
“There’s nothing quite like Turf Champions Day at Woodbine,” said leading trainer David Carroll, preparing his dual Grade 1 entrant. “The atmosphere, the fans, and the level of competition make it an extraordinary experience. Everyone wants to be part of it.”
A Festival of Champions
Turf Champions Day is anchored by a trio of Grade 1 showcases, each carrying not just significant prize money but also automatic berths to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships later this year.
The headline act, the 29th running of the $1 million Rogers Woodbine Mile (G1), attracts an elite field of turf specialists every season and has produced memorable champions over the years. From Wise Dan to Tepin, the race’s roll of honour is lined with international stars, and 2025 promises another chapter in its storied history.
Two other top-tier contests round out the day’s feature program:
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$500,000 Summer Stakes (G1) — A battle of rising juvenile stars looking to stamp their credentials on the world stage.
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$500,000 Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes (G1) — A showcase of two-year-old fillies with Breeders’ Cup aspirations.
Together, these races create a stage where future champions are born and established names are tested against new challengers.
Woodbine Meets the World
Turf Champions Day 2025 will also embrace a truly global spotlight. In an exciting development, Woodbine’s signature races will share the racing stage with two of Europe’s biggest contests — the St. Leger Stakes (G1) at Doncaster, UK and the Irish Champions Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown, Ireland.
This unique cross-continental synergy adds an international flair to the day, allowing fans to witness the very best in turf racing from both sides of the Atlantic. It’s a celebration of the sport at its highest level, connecting Canadian racing with the global stage.
Connections Prepare for Career-Defining Moments
The build-up to Turf Champions Day has been intense, with trainers and jockeys leaving no stone unturned. Final workouts have drawn crowds of onlookers eager to see potential champions in action.
Top jockey Emily Perez, booked for rides in all three Grade 1s, shared her excitement:
“This is one of those days you dream about as a rider,” she said. “The crowds, the energy, the world-class horses — it’s everything you want in this sport. To be a part of it is an honour.”
Behind the scenes, barns are buzzing with last-minute preparations, from final gallops to strategic race plans. Owners, too, are feeling the anticipation, knowing a victory here could pave the way to Breeders’ Cup glory.
A Celebration of Racing at Woodbine
Turf Champions Day is more than just a race meeting — it’s an annual celebration of Canadian thoroughbred racing. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere with packed grandstands, roaring crowds, and the nation’s top racing talent on full display.
With three Grade 1 races, international participation, and the spotlight firmly on the Rogers Woodbine Mile, Turf Champions Day 2025 promises to deliver a spectacle of speed, stamina, and heart-stopping finishes.
Read the full story on RaceBuzz for the latest updates.
