The North America Cup (Saturday June 13), Mohawk million (Saturday, September 26) and Metro pace (Saturday, September 26) remain the crown jewels of the 2026 racing season at Woodbine Mohawk Park.
The trio of $1 million events highlights a prestigious commitment program of more than $20 million for 2026.
This year it will be the 43rdrd edition of the North America Cup, where the best three-year-old pacers are present. The Mohawk Million for two-year-old trotters is entering its seventh year of existence, while the Metro Pace for two-year-old pacers has been held annually since 1988.
Woodbine’s Standardbred Racing Department has revised its betting program after the 2025 season and made a few changes to the conditions and dates for various stakes. The major race days remain unchanged in their placement on the calendar.
The following changes have been implemented for 2026:
- The closing prize for Mohawk Million increased from $50,000 to $60,000
- After cutting the price in half from $100,000 to $50,000 in 2024, the Mohawk Million has seen a high demand to purchase a slot.
- Each of the 10 slots for the 2026 edition is being offered for $60,000, with Woodbine providing the remaining $400,000 of the $1 million prize.
- The format of the 2-year summer series has changed
- The Dream Maker, Whenuwishuponastar, Millard Farms and Pure Ivory have changed from two preliminary rounds and a final to elimination and a final.
- Nomination and endorsement payments have been added, with Woodbine aiming to generate terminal fees between $125,000 and $150,000, providing local trainers with a significant racing opportunity for two-year-olds from any jurisdiction.
- Canadian Graduate Series removed
- The 4-Year-Old Canadian Graduate Series will not be offered in 2026 due to low numbers of nominations and registrations.
- In 2025, several stages were canceled due to a lack of registrations.
- Date change for Casual Breeze and Tompkins-Geers
- The Casual Breeze for 3-year-old Filly Trotters has been moved from late August to June (North America Cup weekend) as a more ideal spot on the racing calendar in North America.
- The Tompkins-Geers for 2-year-olds has been moved from the end of June to mid-July.
Woodbine Mohawk Park will offer 32 Graded Stakes in 2026, the most of any racetrack in North America. The Dream Maker, Whenuwishuponastar, Millard Farms and Pure Ivory each received status (Grade 3) this season.
The main event days for 2026 can be found below:
- North America Cup – Saturday June 13
- Featuring: North America Cup (G1), Fan Hanover (G1), Roses Are Red (G1), Armbro Flight (G2), Goodtimes (G2), Mohawk Gold Cup (G3).
- Wellwood Memorial & Peaceful Way – Saturday, August 29
- Featuring: William Wellwood Memorial (G1), Peaceful Way (G1), Canadian Pacing Derby Eliminations, Nassagaweya (G3), Eternal Camnation (G3).
- Canadian Pacing Derby & Maple Leaf Trot – Saturday, September 5
- Featuring: Canadian Pacing Derby (G1), Maple Leaf Trot (G1), Simcoe 3-Year-Old Open Trot (G3), Milton Stakes (G2).
- Mohawk Million & Metro Pace – Saturday, September 26
- Featuring: Mohawk Million (G1), Metro Pace (G1), Canadian Trotting Classic (G1), Shes A Great Lady (G1), Elegantimage (G1).
To view the full 2026 deployment schedule, click here.
Nominations for all 2026 major stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park close on February 17.
Woodbine will continue to manage interests for Ontario racetracks in 2026, including Grand River Raceway, Flamboro Downs, Clinton Raceway and Hanover Raceway.
Wagering payments for all Woodbine managed events may be made payable to Woodbine Entertainment. Payments can be made through the Race Office, by post or online.
Through Mark McKelviefor Woodbine Communications
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