Trainer Roger Attfield ties for most wins

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The show went on at Royal Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday as the track hosted the 149th annual running of the Queen's Plate, despite pickets to slow traffic to the high profile race.

'Not Bourbon' won a record-tying eighth Queen's Plate for trainer Roger Attfield for most wins on Sunday. Jockey Jono Jones rode the chestnut colt to victory, finishing the final quarter mile in a break-neck pace of 24.29 seconds. But picketing Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union members slowed patrons to a crawl on their way into the track's parking lot. The CAW represents striking securty workers at the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) corporation's Slots at Woodbine.

Jane Holmes, Vice President of corporate affairs at Woodbine, said there was a festive mood at the track despite the parking delays. She said although attendance was down slightly from last year, overall wagering across the GTA had increased.

"We just want to thank our customers who did make it out," said Holmes.

Among those who didn't make it out was Lt.-Gov. David Onley who would, under normal circumstances, represent the Royal Family at such events. Royal representatives do not cross picket lines.

Brian Stevens, staff rep for the CAW union, said the picket line barbecue was a success.

"Our objective was not to disrupt the race," he said. "(The goal) was to get our message to the OLG."

Stevens says as many as 400 picketers were bused in from OLG casino's in Brantford and Sudbury to hold the line. Security workers from the slots operation have been out on strike for the last three weeks, citing job security, wages and benefits as key issues. "I understand revenue at the slots was way down so it was very effective," said Stevens. "It's a multi-million dollar day for the slots so we wanted to get the message out."

The OLG did not return Guardian phonecalls by deadline.