Introducing the Thoroughbred Championship Series: A Season-Long Competition for America's Top Three-Year-Old Thoroughbreds
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) have joined forces to introduce the "Thoroughbred Championship Series," a new six-race competition set to kick off in 2027. This series aims to establish an annual season-long championship for the top three-year-old Thoroughbreds in America. The iconic racing venues of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course will host the series, starting on the first Saturday in May. The goal is to elevate the sport's biggest events and attract a new generation of fans.
According to David O'Rourke, President and CEO of NYRA, the Thoroughbred Championship Series is designed to showcase the best three-year-olds in the sport across a season-long championship. The return of the Belmont Stakes to a revamped Belmont Park adds to the excitement of this initiative. Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI, highlighted that the series will extend the thrill of horse racing across a five-month season, keeping fans engaged with the sport's top stars throughout the year.
The inaugural 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series is expected to feature six races, including the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, Travers Stakes, and a Championship Race. A unified points system will encourage leading three-year-olds to compete against each other more frequently, with a $5 million prize pool awarded based on final standings. Each race will be broadcast nationally, with NYRA races on FOX and Churchill Downs races on NBC.
NYRA and CDI will collaborate on the series' rules, nominations process, marketing, sponsorship, wagering opportunities, and television distribution. Further details on the race schedule, points system, eligibility rules, prize distribution, and branding will be released soon. Interested parties can tune in to a virtual news conference with Bill Carstanjen and David O'Rourke for more information.
NYRA, a not-for-profit organization, conducts thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, playing a vital role in New York's horse racing economy. CDI, with over 150 years of experience, is known for creating exceptional entertainment experiences, including the iconic Kentucky Derby. The company has expanded its portfolio to include live and historical racing venues, online wagering businesses, and regional casino gaming properties.