New Thoroughbred Championship Series omits Preakness, raises questions about Triple Crown
The list of races in the new series does not include the Preakness Stakes and makes no mention of the more than 150-year-old Triple Crown, fueling speculation that those iconic traditions of horse racing have had their final lap.
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The Triple Crown and Preakness Stakes could be scratched from horse racing's future.
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated have unveiled a new collection of races called the Thoroughbred Championship Series.
The inaugural six-race series will begin in May 1, 2027, with races held at Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course throughout the season.
The list of races in the new series does not include the Preakness Stakes and makes no mention of the more than 150-year-old Triple Crown, fueling speculation that those iconic traditions of horse racing have had their final lap.
"Each spring, the Triple Crown captures the public imagination, creates new fans and brings people together," said David O'Rourke, NYRA President & CEO, "The Thoroughbred Championship Series is designed to carry that energy across a full season, giving fans a compelling reason to follow the sport’s best 3-year-olds from the first Saturday in May through the summer and into the fall."
"The new series builds on the success of the Triple Crown and adds to it: more world-class racing, more stories to tell, and a stronger foundation for the sport’s future," O'Rourke said.
NYRA said the series will feature a unified points system aimed at encouraging the nation's top three-year-old thoroughbreds to compete against one another more frequently throughout the racing season.
The announcement comes as Belmont Park nears completion of a three-year redevelopment project designed to transform the venue into a world-class sports and entertainment destination.
The track is scheduled to reopen for live racing on Sept. 18.
The 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series is expected to include:
Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 1
Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5
Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs Racetrack in July (exact date TBD)
Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late July or early August (exact date TBD)
Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late August (exact date TBD)
Championship Race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in September (exact date TBD)
In additional to the race purses, there will be a $5 million prize pool awarded based on final standings.
