Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have opened nominations for the inaugural Thoroughbred Championship Series, which begins in 2027.
The series links established stakes at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The Derby division starts with the Kentucky Derby and includes the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes. The Oaks division includes the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks and Alabama Stakes.
The early nomination window runs through Dec. 10, Thoroughbred Daily News reported. Nominated horses can earn series points and qualify for division bonuses.
Sources: Thoroughbred Daily News and Churchill Downs.
The Twin Spires at Churchill Downs during the 2024 Kentucky Oaks (archive). Photo: JazzyJoeyD, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized.
