The countdown to the 166th running of the $1 million King’s Plate is approaching zero, but there’s still time to immerse yourself in the pageantry of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious Thoroughbred race.
On Saturday, August 16 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario, a star-studded cast of the top Canadian-bred 3-year-old contenders will engage in a royal duel for the first jewel in the OLG Canadian Triple Crown – and eternal fame.
So, before the next generation of Thoroughbred titans charges from the gate at 5:34 p.m. Eastern, take a moment to explore one of the nation’s most storied sporting spectacles.
Plotlines powering the 166th Plate
If a seven-figure purse and shot at racing immortality weren’t intriguing enough, the latest edition of the King’s Plate comes packed with captivating storylines.
Here are five that everybody should know before the big day.
Can No Time become the latest filly to win the Plate?
After a dominant display in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on July 20, No Time is trending in the right direction for the main event.
When she lines up behind the starting gate, the stellar sophomore will look to continue a recent trend that has seen fillies capture two of the last three King’s Plates.
If successful, No Time will join Caitlinhergrtness (2024) and Moira (2022) as the latest filly to reign supreme over the boys.
Trainer Josie Carroll eyes fourth Plate title with Notorious Gangster
Two-time stakes winner (2025 Queenston and 2024 Coronation Futurity), and King’s Plate Trial runner-up Notorious Gangster represents Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Famer Josie Carroll’s next chance at her fourth Plate trophy.
After becoming the first female trainer to win the Plate in 2006 with Edenwold, Carroll added two more Plate tallies with Inglorious in 2011 and Mighty Heart in 2020.
Notorious Gangster has posted a first and two seconds from three starts this year.
Owners Bill and Al Ulwelling take two shots at first Plate with Faber and Mansetti.
For father-son team Bill and Al Ulwelling, adding a King’s Plate triumph would be the crown jewel on their lengthy list of accomplishments.
On Saturday, the Minnesota-rooted ownership duo will send out two hopefuls with deep ties to their home state.
Faber, named after star Minnesota Wild defenceman Brock Faber, is known for his consistently gritty efforts, while Mansetti, the second half of the Ulwelling unit, is a three-time stakes winner whose name traces back to a popular Italian restaurant in Minnesota.
Jockey Pietro (Mansetti) and his father David Moran (William T) go head-to-head
The familial component of this year’s place continues with the father and son jockey contingent of David and Pietro Moran, who will be competing against each other in the “Gallop for the Guineas.”
Call it the race within the race between the Morans and their mounts – the aforementioned Mansetti (Pietro) and William T (David).
The latter has landed in the money (top three) in all four lifetime starts, most recently scoring his first trip to the winner’s circle – a six-length victory on July 13.
Sedburys Ghost holds the keys for connections seeking first Plate triumph
Sedburys Ghost offered his jockey (Ryan Munger), trainer (Barb Minshall), and owner/breeder (Yawen Wu) a taste of what could be with a dazzling Plate Trial triumph on July 20.
Should the chestnut gelding deliver once again, this time on the grand stage, he would crown each member of his connections a King’s Plate champion for the first time.
On the right track heading in, Sedburys Ghost owns a 3-0-1 record across five career starts.
Party of the summer – some of the events going on at the Plate
Canada’s preeminent Thoroughbred race is also one of the marquee social events on Toronto’s summer calendar.
Between the high-fashion, elevated culinary offerings, and live music, the energy off the track is as vibrant as the action on it.
Whether you’re cheering from the grandstand, watching from the rail, or soaking it all in at party hotspots like the Paris Texas Clubhouse, Hats & Horseshoes, or the Paddock Party, the King’s Plate experience delivers at every turn.
Pace yourself
From top-shelf favourites to upset-minded longshots, the 166th renewal of the Plate comes equipped with a stellar lineup of watching and wagering opportunities.
With a projected field of 14 horses comes no shortage of possibilities. Knowing which horse or horses resonate with you is the first step in making an educated wager on the King’s Plate.
Pro tips include consulting guides like this, the race day program (available on the Woodbine website) for recent trends and performances, and following expert analysts like Jeff Bratt (@WoodbineBratt on X), Robert Geller (@WoodbineGeller), and the team at Railbirds (@myrailbirds).
King’s Plate fast facts
Want to impress your friends like a true King’s Plate aficionado? Here you go.
Record time: 2:01.48 by Moira in 2022
Largest field: 20 (1959 King’s Plate)
Largest margin of victory: 13 lengths by Izvestia in 1990
Most wins by a jockey: 4, three jockeys tied – Avelino Gomez (1957, 1960, 1966, 1969); Sandy Hawley (1970, 1971, 1975, 1978); Robin Platts (1972, 1974, 1977, 1984)
Most wins by a trainer: 8, two trainers tied – Harry Giddings Jr. (1911, 1913, 1914, 1920, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1942); Roger Attfield (1976, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 2008)
Most wins by an owner: 20 – Seagram Stables
First King’s Plate winner: Don Juan, 1860
Longest priced winners (since 1956): T J’s Lucky Moon – $166.00 (2002); Royal Chocolate – $48.10 (1973); Driving Home – $43.90 (1980); Blue Light – $39.50 (1961)
Must-see TV
Can’t make the Plate? We’ve got you covered from start to finish. From the expert team at Railbirds, to live coverage of the race on Sportsnet ONE and Citytv, to expert handicappers, this edition of Canada’s most famous race is ready to ignite the excitement.
Television coverage begins on Sportsnet ONE and Citytv at 4:00 p.m. Eastern, but you can stay up to date on all things King’s Plate in the lead-up through Railbirds’ social channels and website.
X/Twitter: @myrailbirds
Instagram: @myrailbirds
Website: myrailbirds.com