ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Woodbine has announced its 2022 stakes schedule that includes the usual major races, with the exception of the Grade 1 Canadian International. The International was scrapped in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned last year while moved up to the Woodbine Mile undercard, with the hope of luring more European runners, but has gone on hiatus again. “The International had a number of travel challenges attached to it for 2022,” said Tim Lawson, Woodbine Entertainment’s director of Thoroughbred racing. “For the time being, it is not a viable option logistically for the European horses to conveniently get to Toronto. We hope this changes and are fully prepared to bring back the race when we can ensure a smooth flow of horses making the trip to Woodbine.” The 2022 stakes program is worth nearly $17 million, including 37 graded stakes and two $1 million fixtures, the Queen’s Plate and Grade 1 Woodbine Mile. After delayed starts in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, Woodbine is eyeing a full season with 133 race dates scheduled from April 16 to Dec. 11. “We are feeling very optimistic that 2022 will be a strong season for our entire team and racing community at Woodbine,” Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson said. “We’re heading in the right direction for a return to normal and our racing team has done a great job lining up a stakes calendar that provides excitement all season.”  :: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now! The 163rd running of the Queen’s Plate is slated for Sunday, Aug. 21, joined on that date by the Grade 2 Canadian and Grade 2 King Edward. The Queen’s Plate kicks off the Canadian Triple Crown for Canadian-bred 3-year-olds. It will be followed by the $400,000 Prince of Wales Stakes on Sept. 13 at Fort Erie and the $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes on Oct. 2 at Woodbine. The Canadian Triple Tiara for 3-year-old fillies begins with the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks on July 24. The series also consists of the $250,000 Bison City Stakes on Aug. 14 and $250,000 Wonder Where Stakes on Sept. 11. The $1 million Woodbine Mile is once again part of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, offering a Win and You’re In berth to the BC Mile. The marquee turf event of the season is joined by the Grade 1 Summer and Grade 1 Natalma Stakes for 2-year-olds on Sept. 17. The Summer and Natalma remain Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In qualifiers, and both have received purse increases to $500,000. The Grade 1 E.P. Taylor has received a purse increase as well, from $600,000 to $750,000. It will be contested Oct. 8, along with the Grade 2 Nearctic and Grade 3 Durham Cup. The E.P. Taylor is the final leg of the returning Ladies of the Lawn Series. The three-race series also includes the Grade 2 Dance Smartly on July 24 and the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes on Aug. 21. Another highlight of the season is a group of five graded stakes to be run over Canada Day weekend. The Grade 3 Dominion Day holds its traditional slot on July 1. It will be followed by the Grade 2 Highlander, Grade 2 Nassau, Grade 3 Selene, and Grade 3 Marine on July 2.