It appears the Triple Crown is a thing of the past as Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have announced a new racing series to determine horse racing’s three-year-old champion.
Starting next year, there will be a six-race series to determine the three-year-old champion of Thoroughbred racing. The Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes will still be include, but the Preakness Stakes will not be a part of the new series.
One champion. Six races. Three iconic racetracks.
Beginning in 2027, the Thoroughbred Championship Series will unite six of racing’s premier events across Churchill Downs, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course to crown America’s top three-year-old Thoroughbred. pic.twitter.com/zyJNic6vFL
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) August 3, 2026
The first race under the new format will be the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1, 2027.
The other races in the Thoroughbred Championship Series are:
– Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets at Belmont Park on June 5
– Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs Racetrack in July (exact date TBD)
– Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late July/early August (exact date TBD)
– Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late August (exact date TBD)
– Championship Race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in September (exact date TBD)
