Horse Racing

Prince of Wales Stakes

The Prince Of Wales Stakes are the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown series, which was introduced in 1959. As the second Triple Crown event, the Prince Of Wales Stakes are preceded by the Queen's Plate and followed by the Breeders' Stakes. The race is held annually in July at Fort Eerie Racetrack in Fort Eerie, Ontario.

Originally introduced in 1929, the Prince Of Wales Stakes were staged as a stand-alone race for 30 years before the Canadian Triple Crown was inaugurated. It was first held alternately at Thorncliffe Park Raceway and Woodbine Racetrack, until being moved to Fort Eerie in 1959. The current distance of the Prince Of Wales Stakes is 9.5 furlongs and the race is restricted to three-year-old thoroughbreds of both sexes, who have to be foaled in Canada.

The speed record in the Prince Of Wales Stakes is currently held by the outstanding Bruce's Mill, who finished the 9.5 furlongs in an impressive 1 minute and 53.80 seconds. Bruce's Mill's record, established under jockey Craig Perret, was recorded in 1994.

Two unforgettable human champions in the history of the Prince Of Wales Stakes are trained Gordon J. McCann and jockey Hugo Dittfach. McCann trained seven winners of the prestigious event between 1951 and 1967 - including New Providence, the first winner of the Canadian Triple Crown. Dittfach rode five winners at the Prince Of Wales Stakes from 1960 to 1967; the most memorable one being 1963 Canadian Triple Crown Winner Canebora.

The Prince Of Wales Stakes are currently valued at CAN$500,000 - the same as the final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Breeders' Stakes; but only half the purse of the prestigious Queen's Plate, the first of the Canadian Triple Crown events, which is also the oldest race on the Canadian racing calendar.

Recent Winners of the Prince of Wales Stakes: