Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) are teaming up to launch a new six-race championship series for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, beginning in 2027. The series will start with the iconic Kentucky Derby on May 1, followed by the Belmont Stakes on June 5, and continue through races including the Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, and Travers Stakes. The culminating championship race will take place at Churchill Downs in September. This initiative aims to build sustained rivalries among top horses and enhance the sport’s appeal to everyday sports enthusiasts.

A standout feature of this series is a $5 million bonus awarded to the horse that earns the most points across the six races. Each race will also maintain its own individual purse, providing multiple earning opportunities for trainers and owners. While the specific details surrounding race dates and the points system are still being finalized, the collaboration is designed to encourage consistent participation and competitive racing throughout the season, much like established formats in other sports such as golf’s FedEx Cup.

Notably, the Preakness Stakes is not included in this new championship lineup. The absence reflects ongoing challenges faced by the Preakness, including decreasing interest and facility issues at the Pimlico Race Course in Maryland. Industry insiders, however, view the series as a positive step for Thoroughbred racing, highlighting its potential to increase national television coverage and fan engagement. Dale Romans, President of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, praised the joint effort as beneficial for the sport’s broader growth and exposure.

Television coverage will be split between NBC, which will broadcast Churchill Downs races, and Fox, which will cover NYRA events. This partnership aims not only to bring more consistent attention to the sport beyond the traditional Triple Crown races but also to modernize racing’s appeal for a 21st-century audience. As Churchill Downs and NYRA finalize particulars, the new series could represent a pivotal moment in elevating Thoroughbred racing’s profile and financial incentives going forward.