LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association have announced the creation of a six-race series to determine the three-year-old champion of Thoroughbred racing.
The Thoroughbred Championship Series will begin with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2027 and will conclude at Churchill in September with the Championship Race, the date of which is still to be determined.
The other races in the Thoroughbred Championship Series are:
- Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets 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/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)
“The Thoroughbred Championship Series will extend the excitement of the sport across a five-month season,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of CDI. “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.”…