The Thoroughbred Championship Series

The inaugural Thoroughbred Championship Series will commence in 2027!

“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.”

NYRA and Churchill Downs are launching the "Thoroughbred Championship Series," a new six-race season for top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds starting in 2027.
Races will run at three venues: Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course.
The six races: Kentucky Derby (May 1), Belmont Stakes (June 5), Matt Winn Stakes (July), Jim Dandy Stakes (late July/early Aug), Travers Stakes (late Aug), and a new Championship Race (September).
A points system will track standings across all six races to crown one champion.
A $5 million bonus pool will be awarded based on final standings, on top of individual race purses.
NYRA races will air on FOX, Churchill Downs races on NBC.
The two companies will jointly handle rules, nominations, marketing, sponsorship, wagering, and broadcast details, with more specifics coming soon.
CEOs Bill Carstanjen (CDI) and David O'Rourke (NYRA) held a joint virtual news conference today, Monday, August 3, at 4 p.m. ET.

"This format is built on standings, a season-long chase that develops real rivalries and brings a playoff atmosphere to racing, beginning on the first Saturday in May and continuing into the early fall," NYRA president and CEO David O'Rourke said. "It's a structure sports fans instantly understand, and with the reach of our television partners at FOX and NBC, we'll be able to tell the compelling stories and introduce the personalities that have always been at the heart of this sport."

What is the 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series?

Are you a fan of the Kentucky Derby and the history of the Triple Crown? Then the Road to the Kentucky Derby has established precedent in earning points to achieve a start in the Run for the Roses. This same concept is now in play for the new Championship Series, which BEGINS with the Kentucky Derby and further enriches following veterans of the First Saturday in May throughout the rest of the year. In the future, additional races could be added in the series such as The Preakness, The Haskell or The Pennsylvania Derby.

Horses will accumulate points in a series of prominent races for three-year-old horses, the age of Triple Crown contenders, and both a bonus payout for top point earners by standings as well as participation in a Championship race exist.