Horse Racing's Schedule Overhaul Could Be the Death Knell for the Preakness and Triple Crown
The 3-year-old series will award a $5 million prize pool and use a unified points system across six races, officials said.
- On Monday, Churchill Downs Incorporated and The New York Racing Association launched the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a 6-race circuit starting in 2027 with a $5 million prize pool.
- Churchill Downs Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen explained that modern fans desire "meaningful competition that builds from one event to the next," spurring the unified points system for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.
- The 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series includes the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, Travers Stakes, and a final Championship Race, but excludes the Baltimore-based Preakness Stakes.
- Maryland Jockey Club officials questioned whether the series effectively threatens the Triple Crown, while trainer Bob Baffert praised the innovation yet stressed the Triple Crown remains racing's "greatest achievement."
- Officials plan to share further details on eligibility and scheduling soon, as industry leaders aim to break down silos and grow the sport through collaboration and unity.
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Preakness date for next year to be revealed, setting the 2027 Triple Crown schedule
The Preakness could be getting a new spot on the calendar following years of speculation about the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown moving further away from the Kentucky Derby
Gov. Wes Moore to discuss Preakness after Pimlico excluded from new race series
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore will address a new horse racing championship proposal Wednesday afternoon that could leave the future of the Preakness Stakes in limbo. Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association announced the creation of the six-race “Thoroughbred Championship Series” to start next year. The schedule does not include a race at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The governor’s office said Moore will address the Preakness following…
Associated Press News
Preakness date for 2027 to be revealed by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Wednesday
The date of the 2027 Preakness Stakes is set to be revealed on Wednesday by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Maryland Jockey Club.
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