The Toronto-based track operator is the host of the Queen’s Plate, Canada’s largest and oldest racetrack. First executed in 1860, the name of the Queen’s Plate traditionally reflects the gender of Canada’s reigning monarch and was therefore called the King’s Plate between 1901 and 1952. Jamie Dykstra, a spokesman for Woodbine Entertainment, said Thursday that a decision will be made in the coming days on whether to restore the trophy’s name to the King’s Plate in honor of King Charles III. Jim Lawson, the organization’s CEO, said Woodbine Entertainment mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth with “great sadness and respect.” “On behalf of Woodbine Entertainment, our Board of Directors, our horse racing community and horse racing fans across our country, I send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the Canadian Monarchy and fans and supporters across the world on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Lawson said. WATCHES | Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip make their 1st and last visit to the Queen’s Plate:
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip make first and last visit to Queen’s Plate
Look back to 1959, the first time Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the Queen’s Plate, and their last visit in 2010 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The Queen’s Plate was first introduced in 1860 and was named after Queen Victoria after she gave royal consent for “a plate of the value of 50 guineas” to be awarded to the winner of the 1 1/4 mile race in Toronto. It was renamed King’s Plate in 1901 when Edward VII succeeded Victoria to the throne. It was renamed the Queen’s Plaque again in 1952 on Elizabeth’s accession to the throne. Woodbine Entertainment sent their traditional telegram to Queen Elizabeth after the 163rd running of the Queen’s Plate on August 21, informing her that a friend named Moira had won the race. In return, Buckingham Palace sent a token 50 guineas to the owners of the winning horse. WATCHES | Queen Elizabeth’s Famous Canadian Sports Moments:
We remember Queen Elizabeth’s famous sporting moments
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, CBC Sports looks back at some of Canada’s most famous sporting moments with the Queen.
