New Thoroughbred championship series launching in 2027 spotlights Louisville’s Churchill Downs
· Yahoo Sports
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — America's leading Thoroughbreds will take a new stage in 2027.
On Monday, Aug. 3, Churchill Downs Inc. and The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced a brand new season-long racing championship: the "Thoroughbred Championship Series."
Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.
Read more of the latest Kentucky newsChurchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course will host the six-race series beginning on the first Saturday in May with the 153rd Kentucky Derby.
According to the announcement, the inaugural 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series will include:
- Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 1
- Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets at Belmont Park on June 5
- Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs Racetrack in July
- Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late July/early August
- Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late August
- Championship Race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in September
"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."
MORE HORSE RACING NEWS:
- New Thoroughbred championship series launching in 2027 spotlights Louisville’s Churchill Downs
- 151st Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism retires
- 7 horses killed in fire at New York casino hotel harness racetrack
Organizers said the championship's unified points system encourages top three-year-olds to face each other more often. Alongside individual race purses, competitors will vie for a $5 million pool awarded according to the final standings. Additional information regarding the race schedule, points system, eligibility rules, prize distribution, and branding will be released in the near future.
"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," David O'Rourke, president and chief executive officer of NYRA, said.
According to the announcement, Churchill Downs races will air on NBC, while the NYRA races will air on FOX.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.