Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association officially announced the creation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race competition for 3-year-olds beginning in 2027.
The series will start with the Kentucky Derby on May 1 and continue with the Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn, Jim Dandy, Travers, and a new championship race at Churchill Downs in September.
A unified points system will determine the standings, with a $5 million prize pool awarded at the end of the series. Churchill Downs races will air nationally on NBC, while the NYRA races will be shown on FOX.
The goal is to keep racing’s top 3-year-olds competing throughout a five-month season and create a continuous championship storyline after the Kentucky Derby.
However, the Preakness Stakes is not included.
That omission could give owners and trainers another reason to skip Baltimore, especially with major prize money and championship points available in the races that follow. The Triple Crown may not officially be dead, but beginning in 2027, it will clearly have competition.
Watch the full video below for our reaction to the new series, then let us know in the comments: Is this good for horse racing, or does it put the future of the Triple Crown in serious danger?
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