Churchill Downs and NYRA unveil six-race Championship Series for 2027
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 2:18 AM
Last updated Aug 5, 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.
- 2:18 AMYahoo Sports — Churchill Downs And NYRA Form 3-Year Old Championship Racing Series
- 6:00 PMYahoo Sports — Fox, NBC partner to broadcast new Thoroughbred Championship Series beginning 2027
- 4:06 PMYahoo Sports — Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association unveil 6-race championship series
- 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
"Major news hit the world of horse racing on Monday as the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated announced the creation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race competition that will pit three-year-old Thoroughbreds against each other in a season-long competition. The series, which will run from May through September, includes…
"Churchill Downs Incorporated and the NYRA 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.
"Two titans of the sport of Thoroughbred racing are uniting to launch a championship series for three-year-olds. Six races will be contested over a five month span.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 5, 2026, 2:18 AMChurchill Downs And NYRA Form 3-Year Old Championship Racing Series
Two titans of the sport of Thoroughbred racing are uniting to launch a championship series for three-year-olds. Six races will be contested over a five month span.
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 6:00 PMFox, NBC partner to broadcast new Thoroughbred Championship Series beginning 2027
Major news hit the world of horse racing on Monday as the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated announced the creation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race competition that will pit three-year-old Thoroughbreds against each other in a season-long competition. The series, which will run from May through September, includes…
- Yahoo SportsAug 4, 2026, 4:06 PMChurchill Downs and New York Racing Association unveil 6-race championship series
Churchill Downs Incorporated and the NYRA 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.
- 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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