HRWA Goes Global: Woodbine Event Marks First International Milestone
On Friday, June 28, the Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA) will host its first international event at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada. As the organisation expands beyond the United States, this event represents more than a new location—it marks the start of a deliberate global strategy to build visibility, access, and leadership pathways for women across the Thoroughbred racing industry.
Hosted in partnership with the Woodbine team, the full-day event will feature a panel of women leaders in racing, a handicapping seminar, a competitive contest with prizes, and opportunities for networking and education in one of Canada’s most historic racing venues. As one of the most prominent racing institutions in North America, Woodbine offers a strategic and symbolic venue for HRWA’s international debut.
This is a milestone—not just for HRWA, but for what it signals across the industry: that progress in racing doesn’t stop at national borders. It travels. It grows. And it builds on shared values of integrity, inclusion, and access.
Event Agenda – Friday, June 28
The day begins with registration and continental breakfast at 10:00 a.m., alongside contest sign-ups. At 10:40 a.m., attendees will be officially welcomed and the day will kick off with remarks from the HRWA team.
At 10:45 a.m., the cornerstone panel will begin: “Highlighting Women in Racing & Their Stories,” featuring four respected industry figures—Martha Wakely, Yvonne Schwabe, Vicki Pappas, and Josie DePaulo. These speakers bring a breadth of experience from breeding, training, ownership, and media, sharing insights from their careers and challenges faced across a male-dominated sport.
Following the panel, at 11:45 a.m., attendees will take part in a handicapping seminar hosted by Ashley Mailloux and Dawn Lupul—two women known for their expertise and accessibility in demystifying the handicapping process for newcomers and seasoned bettors alike.
Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., and at 1:05 p.m., the first post signals the beginning of live racing—and the start of the handicapping contest, which will run across Races 1–5. Around 3:15 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to visit the paddock and winner’s circle, with prizes and raffle announcements following around 4:00 p.m.
The event combines professional development, industry insight, and access to live racing in a format that is both educational and competitive—designed to create real momentum for women in racing, not just visibility.
🎟️ Tickets + Agenda:
Saturday Optional Add-Ons – June 29
Attendees who choose to extend their trip will have access to two optional experiences, both complimentary of Woodbine and HRWA:
- Backstretch Tour & Breakfast
Organised by Robin Olguin (rolguin@woodbine.com), this tour offers behind-the-scenes access to the Woodbine backstretch and includes a continental breakfast. - Visit to LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society
A 2.5-hour guided visit (travel included) to a TAA-accredited aftercare facility, including light snacks and refreshments. To sign up, contact Martha Wakely (mwakely@woodbine.com).
Attendees needing hotel support can reach out to Julie Bell at jab@woodbine.com.
About the Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA)
The Horse Racing Women’s Association was founded in 2022 to advance the professional and personal development of women in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Rooted in three strategic pillars—Engage, Elevate, and Invest—the organisation builds infrastructure for lasting change.
- Engage: HRWA fosters relationships across every layer of the racing ecosystem—from entry-level staff to executives and owners.
- Elevate: Through panels, summits, and seminars, HRWA puts women at the centre of the industry’s most critical conversations.
- Invest: With initiatives like the Pay It Forward Scholarship Tickets, HRWA lowers barriers to entry and offers not only access to events—but the foundation for building the next generation of leaders, owners, and stakeholders.
The Pay It Forward model allows individuals and companies to sponsor a ticket, either for a specific recipient or to be allocated by the HRWA committee. This initiative returns for 2025 and is a cornerstone of the association’s values-driven approach.
As the HRWA expands its reach, the organisation is clear-eyed in its purpose: to create a racing industry where women are not just participants, but powerholders—driving the kind of reform this sport can no longer delay.
For more information, visit horseracingwomen.com or email contact@horseracingwomen.com.
To book your place: Register for the Woodbine Event
Equitas will continue to spotlight cross-border initiatives that build equity, infrastructure, and visibility for women in racing—wherever they lead.
