TORONTO – History will be made at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday, when David and Pietro Moran become the first father and son jockeys to ever compete against each other in The King’s Plate, Canada’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse race.
Now in its 166th running, the longest continuously run thoroughbred race in North America, The King’s Plate is the first leg of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown. With the Morans in the starting gate, this year’s edition adds a unique chapter to its storied history, as father and son each vie for a place in racing history.
“Competing in The King’s Plate is important to every jockey,” said David. “To be here alongside my son, both of us with the same ambition to win The Plate is a very special feeling.”
For Pietro, riding against his father in the nation’s biggest race is both a challenge and an honour.
“I grew up watching him race and learning from him,” he said. “Now we get to share this moment together on the sport’s biggest stage — it’s surreal.”
Father and son jockeys, David and Pietro Moran. (Photo by Michael Burns)
Coincidently, Pietro and David will line up side-by-side in the starting gate. Pietro will ride the Kevin Attard-trained Mansetti from post-one, while David will start from post-two with William T, trained by Don MacRae.
The milestone underscores the deep family traditions and generational ties that run through the horse racing industry, where knowledge, skill, and passion are often passed down as an inheritance from parents to children.
“Moments like this remind us that The King’s Plate is not just about competition, it’s about history, heritage, and the people who make our sport so special,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to witness this remarkable family achievement.”
- King’s Plate on Sportsnet
The King’s Plate, the first jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown, goes Saturday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Coverage starts at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.
The elder Moran is from Templemore, Ireland, and started his racing journey in 1999. He made several visits to race at Woodbine in 2009 and 2010 before moving full-time to Canada in 2011 and immediately becoming a prominent rider at the Toronto track. David notably won the 2010 Woodbine Oaks and has won 14 graded stakes to date.
Pietro, 20, is the second-oldest of David’s eight children (four boys and four girls). Following in his father’s footsteps, he launched his racing career at the age of 18 in 2023, winning four of 20 races. He then put together a strong 2024, winning 62 races and earning a Sovereign Award nomination as Canada’s Top Apprentice Jockey. Pietro’s 2024 season was cut short due to a racing injury in September, but since regaining his health, he’s come back stronger and currently leads all riders in wins for 2025 with 66.
The $1-million 2025 King’s Plate will be contested at Woodbine Racetrack at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. PT on Saturday, and will air live on City TV, Sportsnet One and Sportsnet+.