Churchill Downs and NYRA announce championship series featuring Kentucky Derby
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 9:19 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association introduced a six-race championship series set to begin next year, featuring events like the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, with a total prize pool of $5 million. The series is scheduled over five months, including notable races such as the Matt Winn Stakes and the Travers Stakes. The traditional schedule of the Triple Crown will remain intact, with the first and third legs taking place five weeks apart from May 1 to June 5. Coordination with NBC and Fox for broadcasting coverage has been confirmed. Discussions around the potential rearrangement of the Preakness Stakes are ongoing, although dates have yet to be announced.
- •Championship series spans five months with six races.
- •Includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
- •Total prize pool is $5 million.
- •Preakness Stakes date remains unannounced.
- •NBC and Fox will broadcast the races.
- 9:19 PMYahoo Sports — Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association unveil 6-race championship series
"Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association on Monday announced a six-race championship series over a span of five months that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes and a $5 million prize pool, set to begin next year. The first and third legs of the Triple Crown are scheduled next year for the traditional five weeks apart between May 1 and June 5. A spokesperson for the Maryland Jockey Club said a date for the Preakness next year has not yet been announced and declined comment on the championship series of races in Kentucky and New York.
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