Ontario Derby

The Ontario Derby is a Canadian Thoroughbred horse race run annually in mid-October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario. A Grade III stakes since 2012, it is open to three-year-old horses. Raced over a distance of miles (9 furlongs) on Tapeta, the Ontario Derby currently offers a purse of Can$150,000.

Inaugurated in 1972 as the Colonel R. S. McLaughlin Handicap, the race was renamed the Ontario Derby for the 2003 running. Originally contested at miles, it was changed to its current -mile distance in 1992.

Records

Speed record:

• 1:48.30 – Ami's Gizmo (2016) (at current distance of miles on Tapeta) – new track record
• 1:49.38 – Sand Cove (2008) (at current distance of miles on Polytrack)
• 1:49.45 – Kiss A Native (2000) (at current distance of miles on natural dirt)

Most wins by an owner:

• 3 – Sam-Son Farm (1974, 1987, 2013)
• 3 - Chiefswood Stables Limited (2017, 2023, 2025)

Most wins by a jockey:

• 5 – Sandy Hawley (1972, 1975, 1977, 1989, 1991)

Most wins by a trainer:

• 4 – Roger Attfield (1976, 1986, 2005, 2008)
• 4 – Mark E. Casse (2012 ,2014 ,2018, 2021)

Winners of the Ontario Derby

Notes: ¹In 1996, Steady Climb finished first but was disqualified and placed second.<br />²In 2023, Solo Album finished first but was disqualified and placed fifth for interference in the first turn.

See also

• List of Canadian flat horse races

References

External links

• The Ontario Derby at Pedigree Query
• 2007 Ontario Derby at the NTRA