Churchill Downs and NYRA Launch Thoroughbred Championship Series to Crown America's Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred
LOUISVILLE, Ky. | August 3, 2026
Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) and The New York Racing Association (NYRA) today announced the creation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race competition beginning in 2027 that will establish an annual season-long championship for America's leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
The series will unite Thoroughbred racing's most iconic venues, including Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, creating a season-long championship that begins with the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve and culminates with a championship race at Churchill Downs in September.
A New Championship for Thoroughbred Racing
The Thoroughbred Championship Series is designed to extend fan engagement beyond the Triple Crown by connecting six premier races across five months through a unified points system and a $5 million championship prize pool.
'The Thoroughbred Championship Series will extend the excitement of the sport across a five-month season,' said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of Churchill Downs Incorporated. 'The Kentucky Derby introduces millions of fans to a new generation of Thoroughbred stars each year, and this series gives those fans a reason to stay engaged with the sport's biggest stars throughout the season. By connecting these premier events through one championship, we're creating a season-long storyline that benefits the future of Thoroughbred racing.'
'This series is designed to showcase the sport's best three-year-olds across a season-long championship, elevating our biggest events and creating the next generation of fans,' said David O'Rourke, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYRA. 'The return of the Belmont Stakes to a newly transformed Belmont Park makes this an especially exciting moment for our sport. Together with Churchill Downs and our television partners, we are building on tradition to carry the excitement of these marquee races through the entire season.'
2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series Schedule
- Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve – Churchill Downs Racetrack – May 1
- Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets – Belmont Park – June 5
- Matt Winn Stakes – Churchill Downs Racetrack – July (date to be announced)
- Jim Dandy Stakes – Saratoga Race Course – Late July/Early August (date to be announced)
- Travers Stakes – Saratoga Race Course – Late August (date to be announced)
- Championship Race – Churchill Downs Racetrack – September (date to be announced)
$5 Million Championship Prize Pool
A unified points system will encourage the nation's leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds to compete throughout the championship season. In addition to individual race purses, a $5 million championship prize pool will be awarded based on the final standings, providing meaningful financial incentives for owners and trainers to remain active throughout the series.
National Television Coverage
Every race in the Thoroughbred Championship Series will be televised nationally. Churchill Downs races will air on NBC, while NYRA races will air on FOX.
Churchill Downs Incorporated and NYRA will collaborate on the championship's rules, nominations process, marketing, sponsorship, wagering opportunities and television distribution. Additional information regarding the race schedule, points system, eligibility, prize distribution and branding will be announced as details are finalized.
About the Thoroughbred Championship Series
Beginning in 2027, the Thoroughbred Championship Series will bring together six of America's premier races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds into one season-long championship spanning Churchill Downs, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. The series is designed to elevate the sport's biggest events, engage fans throughout the racing season and crown one overall Thoroughbred champion.
