Woodbine Entertainment has officially unveiled a landmark multi-platform broadcasting partnership with Citytv, Sportsnet, and CBC, establishing a robust media framework for the 2026 horse racing season that promises to bring Canadian and international racing to a wider audience than ever before. This strategic alliance represents a significant shift in the accessibility of the sport, combining traditional national network television with modern digital streaming to ensure that marquee events such as The King’s Plate and the Woodbine Mile reach both domestic fans and a global viewership. Under the terms of the new agreement, Woodbine’s premier racing events will be distributed across Citytv’s national broadcast network, Sportsnet’s specialized sports channels, and CBC’s digital ecosystem, including CBC Gem and the CBC Sports YouTube channel.
This collaboration follows a successful period of horse racing coverage in Canada, which recently included the broadcast of the United States Triple Crown series on Citytv. Building on that momentum, the 2026 season will see a deeper integration of Canadian content into the national sports conversation. By leveraging the unique strengths of three of Canada’s major media entities, Woodbine Entertainment aims to solidify the status of horse racing as a premier pillar of the country’s sporting landscape while adapting to the evolving consumption habits of modern sports fans who increasingly rely on streaming services.
A Strategic Alliance for the Digital Age
The partnership is structured to maximize the visibility of different tiers of racing. Citytv will serve as the primary home for the 166th running of The King’s Plate, ensuring that Canada’s most historic race is available to the widest possible linear television audience. Simultaneously, CBC will spearhead the digital expansion of the sport. Through a partnership with HBA Media, a global leader in horse racing media rights, CBC will stream many of Woodbine’s marquee races worldwide, while also bringing some of the world’s most prestigious international fixtures to Canadian viewers.
Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment, emphasized that these partnerships are central to the organization’s mission of growing the sport’s footprint. According to Copeland, the collaboration with Citytv, Sportsnet, and CBC represents an opportunity to showcase the passion and tradition of horse racing to a new generation. By diversifying the platforms on which the races are available, Woodbine is effectively lowering the barrier to entry for casual viewers while providing high-quality, reliable access for dedicated enthusiasts.
The move toward streaming via CBC Gem and YouTube is particularly significant for the industry. As traditional cable subscriptions fluctuate, the ability to offer a free, high-definition global stream of events like the Prince of Wales Stakes or the Breeders’ Stakes allows Woodbine to tap into international markets and younger demographics. This digital-first approach ensures that the "King of Sports" remains relevant in a landscape dominated by on-demand content.
The 166th King’s Plate: A National Spectacle
The centerpiece of the 2026 broadcast schedule is undoubtedly The King’s Plate. Scheduled for Saturday, August 15, the 166th running of the race will air nationally on Citytv. As the oldest continuously run stakes race in North America, The King’s Plate is more than just a horse race; it is a cultural institution and a highlight of the Canadian social calendar. Originally known as The Queen’s Plate during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the race returned to its original name following the accession of King Charles III.
Contested at a distance of 1 1/4 miles on Woodbine’s Tapeta surface, the race is restricted to three-year-olds foaled in Canada. It serves as the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, carrying a massive purse and immense prestige for owners, trainers, and jockeys. The Citytv broadcast is expected to feature extensive pre-race coverage, highlighting the fashion, celebrity presence, and the deep historical roots of the event, which dates back to 1860 when it was founded with the blessing of Queen Victoria.
By placing The King’s Plate on a major national network like Citytv, Woodbine is ensuring that the race maintains its status as a premier "event-style" broadcast, similar to the Kentucky Derby in the United States or the Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom. The broad reach of Citytv’s coast-to-coast network provides a platform for sponsors and stakeholders to engage with a massive audience, further driving the economic health of the Canadian thoroughbred industry.
The Canadian Triple Crown and the Path to the Breeders’ Stakes
While The King’s Plate captures the most mainstream attention, the 2026 partnership ensures that the entire journey of the Canadian Triple Crown is documented for fans. Following the Plate, the action moves to Fort Erie Race Track for the Prince of Wales Stakes on Monday, September 7. This second leg of the Triple Crown is unique for its dirt surface, often providing a different challenge for the three-year-olds who excelled on Woodbine’s synthetic track.
The final leg, the Breeders’ Stakes, returns to Woodbine on Sunday, September 27. Contested at 1 1/2 miles on the world-renowned E.P. Taylor Turf Course, the Breeders’ Stakes is a grueling test of stamina and grass-racing ability. Both the Prince of Wales and the Breeders’ Stakes will be streamed across Canada on CBC Gem and worldwide on the CBC Sports YouTube channel. This digital-exclusive approach for the latter two legs of the Triple Crown allows for a more focused, data-rich viewing experience that appeals to the "core" racing fan while maintaining a global presence.
Before the Triple Crown even begins, the season’s broadcast schedule kicks off in earnest with the Woodbine Oaks Presented by Stella Artois. Scheduled for Sunday, July 19, the Oaks is the premier race for Canadian-bred three-year-old fillies and serves as the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara. Streaming live on CBC Gem and YouTube, the Oaks often serves as a key indicator for The King’s Plate, as top-performing fillies frequently choose to challenge the males in the Plate a month later.
Turf Champions Day and International Integration
Another major highlight of the 2026 season is Woodbine’s Turf Champions Day on September 12. This day is of critical importance not just to Canadian racing, but to the international thoroughbred community. The event features four "Win and You’re In" races as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series. The winner of the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, the day’s marquee event, receives an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile, one of the richest and most prestigious turf races in the world.
Turf Champions Day will air nationally on Sportsnet ONE, with additional streaming available via CBC’s digital platforms. The inclusion of Sportsnet ONE provides a dedicated sports-centric environment for the broadcast, catering to bettors and analysts who follow the road to the Breeders’ Cup. The international significance of this day is bolstered by the HBA Media partnership, which facilitates the broadcast of high-stakes international races on Canadian screens.
Throughout the summer and autumn of 2026, Canadian fans will also be treated to some of the greatest spectacles in global racing. The schedule includes the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes from Ascot (July 25), the Sussex Stakes from Goodwood (July 29), and the legendary Melbourne Cup from Flemington (November 2). These races represent the pinnacle of the sport in Europe and Australia, and their availability on CBC Gem and YouTube in Canada reflects a growing appetite for international sporting content.
Detailed 2026 Broadcast and Streaming Timeline
The following schedule outlines the confirmed dates and platforms for the 2026 racing season under the new partnership:
- Sunday, July 19: Woodbine Oaks (Woodbine) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Saturday, July 25: King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Ascot) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Canada).
- Wednesday, July 29: Sussex Stakes (Goodwood) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Canada).
- Saturday, August 15: The King’s Plate (Woodbine) – National Broadcast on Citytv.
- Monday, September 7: Prince of Wales Stakes (Fort Erie) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Saturday, September 12: Turf Champions Day (Woodbine Mile) – Broadcast on Sportsnet ONE; Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Saturday, September 26: Mohawk Million (Woodbine Mohawk Park) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Sunday, September 27: Breeders’ Stakes (Woodbine) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Saturday, October 3: Canadian International (Woodbine) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Worldwide).
- Monday, November 2: Melbourne Cup (Flemington) – Streaming on CBC Gem and CBC Sports YouTube (Canada).
Broader Implications for the Equine Industry
The expansion of Woodbine’s media reach has profound implications for the Canadian equine industry, which contributes billions of dollars to the national economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs. Increased visibility for races like the Mohawk Million—a prestigious event for two-year-old trotters held at Woodbine Mohawk Park—highlights the strength of Canada’s Standardbred racing sector alongside its Thoroughbred counterpart.
By securing partnerships with Citytv, Sportsnet, and CBC, Woodbine Entertainment is providing a stable and high-profile platform for sponsors. This, in turn, helps maintain high purse levels, which attracts top-tier horses, trainers, and jockeys from across North America and Europe. The "Win and You’re In" status of the Woodbine Mile and the Canadian International further cements Woodbine’s reputation as a world-class destination for turf racing.
Furthermore, the focus on worldwide streaming via YouTube addresses a long-standing challenge in the racing industry: geographic fragmentation. By making Canadian races easily accessible to fans in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Woodbine is enhancing the international marketability of Canadian-bred horses. This global exposure is vital for the breeding industry, as success on the international stage increases the value of Canadian bloodlines at yearling sales.
As the 2026 season approaches, the partnership between Woodbine, Citytv, Sportsnet, and CBC stands as a model for how traditional sports can navigate the transition to a multi-platform media environment. By honoring the 166-year history of The King’s Plate while embracing the future of digital streaming, Woodbine Entertainment is ensuring that the thundering hooves of Canada’s finest thoroughbreds will be heard by more people than ever before. Additional programming details and specific broadcast times are expected to be announced as the season draws closer, promising a year of unparalleled coverage for racing fans coast to coast.
