Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association have announced a new six-race championship series, set to start next year and span five months, featuring the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes with a total prize pool of $5 million. The series will include the first and third legs of the Triple Crown, traditionally spaced five weeks apart between May 1 and June 5, while the Preakness Stakes date is still undecided, with no comments from the Maryland Jockey Club on its involvement in the championship.
There has been discussion about moving the Preakness to three weeks after the Derby, instead of the usual two, to encourage more participation, as recently Golden Tempo became the third Derby winner in five years to skip the Preakness in Baltimore. The championship will also feature the Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in July, and the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in the late summer. A championship race at Churchill Downs is planned for September, ahead of the Breeders’ Cup, which will be hosted by Belmont Park on Long Island in 2027.
NYRA President and CEO David O’Rourke described the series as an opportunity to highlight the top three-year-olds over a season-long competition, boosting the profile of key races and attracting new fans. NBC will televise the Churchill Downs events, while Fox will cover the races held in New York. Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen added that linking these premier races into a single championship creates a continuous storyline that supports the future growth of thoroughbred racing.
Fan Take: This championship series is an exciting development for horse racing fans as it creates a cohesive journey to follow the sport’s best young horses throughout the season. By building anticipation and a clear narrative, it could draw in more viewers and increase engagement, helping ensure the sport’s popularity for years to come.
Source: www.espn.com
