As you journey up to the 5th Floor to the Northern Dancer Room, in the private elevator, you will see why it's on the top floor.

Beautifully appointed oak wainscotting, some of the most exquisite views of the racetracks, private balcony, self-contained mutuels and washrooms, this room has the elements to make you never want to leave.

Whether you're entertaining clients, having a gala fundraiser, or simply getting together with family and friends, this room certainly has what you need.

Click here to have one of our Catering Sales Managers get in contact with you and to have a sales kit mailed to you.

Scroll through, the history of the Horse and the Room and once you capture the feel of the room, let our Chef tantalize you with the exclusive Northern Dancer Menus.


Meeting Room Capacity:
Function
Room
Area
(Sq. Ft.)
Dimension Theatre Classroom U-Shape Hollow
Square
Rounds of 8 Boardroom
Northern Dancer 2310 35x66 175 100 46 60 136 44
               

Explore The Northern Dancer Room:


Northern Dancer will always be remembered as a national sports hero, an accolade he earned at Churchill Downs on May 2, 1964, when he became the first Canadian-bred winner of the Kentucky Derby, America's most cherished horse race.

Bred by Edward Taylor, the legend and legacy of the Windfields Farm colt would become the most remarkable racing and breeding story of our time; the story of a horse who established himself as the world's most influential Thoroughbred sire in modern history. His sons and daughters were champions on four continents; one sold for a record $10.2 million while another was syndicated for $40 million. Nijinsky II, The Minstrel, Storm Bird, Nureyev, Sadler's Wells, Danzig, Lyphard and Vice Regent were some of his illustrious sons. In 1981, at age 20, he attracted an offer of US$40 million, which was rejected.

Potential buyers ignored him as a yearling in 1961 when the price tag was $25,000. He was too small. Who could have guessed what would soon transpire? An effervescent and meteoric career - winning the Queen's Plate at Woodbine, the Derby along with numerous major races in the U.S., including the Preakness, second jewel in the Triple Crown. He won 14 of 18 starts and never finished worse than third.

For more history on Northern Dancer visit the Canadian Horse Racing Hall Fame
at www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com

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When Woodbine Racetrack was officially opened on June 12, 1956, the Northern Dancer Room was hardly the place to congregate. The lone function of this area on the fifth floor was to store old furniture, cabinets, rugs and odds-and-ends.

In 1973, when Charles Baker succeeded E.P. Taylor as Chairman of the Board, the fifth floor was renovated, furnished and established as the new Trustees' Room for officers and trustees of The Ontario Jockey Club. During the next 25 years, its guest list was a who's who of horse racing, especially on Woodbine's most important race days - the Queen's Plate and Canadian International. It was decorated with 18th and 19th century oil paintings. and prints.

Signatures of honoured visitors in the regal guest book include those of The Queen Mother, signed simply Elizabeth R, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Lady Sarah, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Governor Generals of Canada and Lieutenant Governors and Premiers of Ontario. Famed owners and trainers of champion Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds have also signed the leather-bound guest book.

In 2000 the Trustees' Room was renamed The Northern Dancer in honour of Canada's greatest race horse and internationally renowned sire of champions. Dramatic photographs of Northern Dancer adorn its walls along with a cabinet displaying historic racing trophies. Regal visitors and heads of state continue, to gather there on Plate Day.

In January of 2002 the room went through yet another renovation. Richly appointed oak wainscoting, expanded mutuel area and the addition of 22 televisions, provide you the opportunity to be entertained by the sport of kings in a classically elegant room.

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We look to earn the loyalty of our guests by exceeding their expectations, providing friendly and personal service, along with world class horse racing in a distinguished surrounding. With many years of experience and our long standing tradition of hospitality, we look to impress in everything we do. We know that even the best venue would be meaningless without exceptional guest service. Our committed approach to detail enables us to create spectacular classic events. From corporate meetings and conferences, gala dinners or social gatherings, the Northern Dancer Room will make your next event one they'll talk about in glowing terms.

Boasting floor to ceiling windows for natural light, complimentary audio visual package, Woodbine meeting kit and our staff's shared commitment , Woodbine's Northern Dancer Room will help you meet your objectives. Our Catering Sales Managers take pride in assisting your planning of logistics, meals and refreshments, allowing you the time to concentrate on your program and attendees.

Allow us to turn your next corporate event into a gala evening. We'll entertain you with some of the world's best horse racing and fine dining. No detail is too small. From the elegantly appointed linen and chair covers, fresh cut flower centrepieces and menu place cards, our experienced Catering staff will assist you in your plans.

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Our Executive Chef, Joseph Lesch and Woodbine Club Chef, Michael Mortensen have designed menus that allow you the flexibility to tailor your dining experience. Their approach to using only the finest seasonally fresh ingredients is evident with every delicacy they prepare. With their wine pairing suggestions or a selection from our vintage wine cellar, you can truly satisfy your most distinguishing tastes. Allow them to take your taste buds through a exquisite experience that you will not soon forget.

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Northern Dancer Plated [click here]
Northern Dancer Lunch and Dinner Buffet [click here]