The Rogers Woodbine Mile, held Saturday at Woodbine, is a prestigious $1 million Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race offering the winner a fees-paid entry to the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 1. This race attracts top middle-distance turf horses from North America and internationally, with European trainer Charlie Appleby aiming for his third win in four years with Notable Speech. The Woodbine Mile is the highlight of Turf Champions Day, which also features two other “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series races—the bet365 Summer Stakes and the Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes—both granting entry to Breeders’ Cup juvenile turf events. Coverage of the day’s races will be available on FanDuel TV and via a livestream hosted by America’s Best Racing.

Since its inception in 1988, the Woodbine Mile has evolved from a dirt race for 3-year-olds to a premier turf mile open to older horses, with a rich history of international winners and notable champions like Wise Dan, the only dual winner. The race has seen multiple name changes and sponsorships, currently presented by Rogers. Hall of Fame trainers Neil Drysdale and Mark Casse hold records for most wins, while jockey John Velazquez leads with five victories. The event also celebrates female champions such as Dance Smartly and Tepin, and has become a key stepping stone to Breeders’ Cup success, exemplified by Modern Games’ 2022 win and subsequent Eclipse Award as champion turf male.