Churchill Downs and NYRA announce new six-race series for 2027
Yahoo Entertainment • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 3:57 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing Association have revealed a partnership for a six-race series scheduled to start in 2027. The series will include the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but excludes the Preakness Stakes, which has been questioned by industry insiders. Changes in training and race management have led to this exclusion, as recent Derby winners opted out of the Preakness. The Preakness will still be run at Pimlico, but plans to adjust its timing are under discussion. The series aims for a $5 million bonus at its conclusion and emphasizes a shift in the of horse racing's leading events.
- •New series covers the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes beginning in 2027.
- •The Preakness is not included in the new series amid training concerns.
- •Recent Derby winners have skipped the Preakness, highlighting its declining role.
- •The Maryland government plans to revitalize Pimlico Race Course amid these changes.
- •A $5 million bonus will be awarded at the end of the new series.
- 3:59 PMYahoo Entertainment — Horse racing's Triple Crown may be dead - Yahoo Sports
- 3:57 PMYahoo Sports — Horse racing's Triple Crown may be dead in the water
"A new deal struck by Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association will feature a six-race series beginning next year — and The Preakness isn't part of it.
"A new deal struck by Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association will feature a six-race series beginning next year — and The Preakness isn't part of it.
Sources
External links- Yahoo EntertainmentAug 3, 2026, 3:59 PMHorse racing's Triple Crown may be dead - Yahoo Sports
A new deal struck by Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association will feature a six-race series beginning next year — and The Preakness isn't part of it.
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 3:57 PMHorse racing's Triple Crown may be dead in the water
A new deal struck by Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association will feature a six-race series beginning next year — and The Preakness isn't part of it.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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