In 1947, as the newly appointed director of the Ontario Jockey Club (OJC), Edward Plunket Taylor embarked on a bold plan to bring horse racing in the Toronto area up to the same standards as leading racetracks in North America.
His plan centered on acquiring local racetracks (Hamilton, Thorncliffe, Long Branch, Dufferin and Stamford) and consolidating their racing charters into three racetracks: Fort Erie, Greenwood and a to-be-built Woodbine.
By the end of 1955, the OJC had acquired enough racing charters to conduct 196 thoroughbred and 252 standardbred race dates.
A year later on June 12, 1956, on 780-acres in the Township of Etobicoke, a new Woodbine racetrack opened. The modern and spacious facility, complete with a one-mile oval dirt track and seven-eighths turf course, was adorned with beautiful infield ponds complete with scenic waterfalls. It was the crowning jewel in E.P. Taylor’s master plan to streamline the province’s racing industry and transform a fragmented, inefficient “leaky-roof circuit” into one of the world’s elite racing facilities.
In the years that followed, the momentum generated from Woodbine’s opening would spark an evolution and growth that would forever change the landscape of the Canadian horse racing industry and make it one of the best anywhere in the world.
1963
On April 26, Mohawk Racetrack opens in Campbellville, Ontario for standardbred racing.
1976
The OJC introduces the first cash, self-automated wagering system in North America.
1982
The OJC introduces the first simulcast wagering in North America when live racing at Fort Erie is broadcast to Woodbine.
1993
The first “Champions” off-track wagering location is opened. By 2010, the teletheatre network grows to 26 locations across the GTA.
On December 31, Greenwood Racetrack - the “Old Woodbine” and affectionately known as “The Grand Old Lady of Canadian Racing” - is closed.
1994
Long recognized as Canada’s showplace for thoroughbred racing, Woodbine became a two-breed horse racing facility on New Year’s Day with the unveiling of its new seven-eighths mile standardbred track, becoming the only such racing facility in North America.
1996
On Saturday October 26th, Woodbine became the first race track outside the United States to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
1997
In May, HorsePlayer Interactive (HPI), a telephone account wagering service is launched allowing customers to wager by phone on racetracks across Canada, North America and around the world.
1998
Paid admission to Woodbine is eliminated. A new saddling area is built under the grandstand allowing customers to get a closer view of the horses before a race.
1999
A multi-million dollar facelift of Woodbine and Mohawk begins in preparation for the introduction of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation’s slots program. In August, Mohawk unveils its new slot area complete with 750 machines, a racebook featuring simulcast racing from across North America and refurbished dining areas.
2000
On March 27, Woodbines opens its new racing, gaming and entertainment facility compete with a 57,000 sq. ft slot machine floor, bars, restaurants and a renovated second-floor grandstand. The slot area holds 1,700 machines (operated by the OLG) and attracts over 6-miilion visitors annually.