Churchill Downs And NYRA Form 3-Year Old Championship Racing Series

SportsMoney Churchill Downs And NYRA Form 3-Year Old Championship Racing Series By Danny Brewer ,

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Danny Brewer has been covering Thoroughbred/horse racing since 2006. Follow Author Aug 04, 2026, 10:18pm EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . Summary Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association are launching a new six-race championship series for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, starting in 2027. This initiative aims to elevate horse racing's appeal to everyday sports fans by fostering rivalries and familiarity among top horses. The series kicks off with the Kentucky Derby in May, followed by the Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, and Travers Stakes, culminating in a championship race at Churchill Downs in September. A significant $5 million bonus will be awarded to the horse accumulating the most points. Notably, the Preakness Stakes is absent from the initial lineup. Industry figures view this collaboration as a positive step for the sport, potentially boosting national TV coverage and fan engagement, similar to the FedEx Cup in golf. Final details on dates and the points system are still being ironed out.