Churchill Downs and NYRA unveil six-race Championship Series for 2027
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 3, 2026, 3:35 PM
Last updated Aug 3, 2026
Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association announced the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a six-race event set to begin in 2027. The series will feature three-year-old thoroughbreds and include the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes among its events, awarding $5 million in bonuses based on points standings., the Preakness Stakes is not included in the schedule, raising questions about its future in the context of the Triple Crown. The series aims to enhance national attention on horse racing beyond the traditional marquee events. A press conference with leadership from both organizations is scheduled later today.
- •Series begins in 2027, featuring $5 million in bonuses.
- •Includes races at Churchill Downs and Saratoga Race Course.
- •The Preakness Stakes is excluded from the series schedule.
- •Races will air nationally on NBC and Fox.
- •Press conference scheduled for later today to discuss details.
- 3:35 PMYahoo Sports — Churchill Downs, NYRA announce new Thoroughbred Championship Series
- 3:22 PMYahoo Sports — NYRA, Churchill Downs announced 6-race, $5 million Thoroughbred Championship Series for 3-year-olds
"Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have teamed up on a new series for three-year-olds: the six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series.
"NYRA and Churchill Downs will seek to create a seasonlong championship for 3-year-olds that doesn't include Preakness.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 3:35 PMChurchill Downs, NYRA announce new Thoroughbred Championship Series
Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have teamed up on a new series for three-year-olds: the six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series.
- Yahoo SportsAug 3, 2026, 3:22 PMNYRA, Churchill Downs announced 6-race, $5 million Thoroughbred Championship Series for 3-year-olds
NYRA and Churchill Downs will seek to create a seasonlong championship for 3-year-olds that doesn't include Preakness.
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