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New Championship Series Includes Derby and Belmont, but Not Preakness

On Monday, Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association announced a six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series with a $5 million prize pool, set to debut next year.
Excluding the Preakness Stakes from the new schedule leaves the race's future in limbo, despite its long-standing role as the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
Designed to showcase the sport's best 3-year-olds, the series includes the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy, and Travers Stakes, with NBC and Fox broadcasting the races.
Maryland owns the intellectual rights to the Preakness after matching an $85 million offer from Churchill, though the Maryland Jockey Club declined to comment on the new series.
A final championship race at Churchill Downs in September precedes the Breeders Cup, scheduled for 2027 at Belmont Park on Long Island.

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Preakness future in limbo as championship series skips Pimlico in Baltimore

A new horseracing championship proposal could leave the future of the Preakness Stakes in limbo. Churchill Downs and the New York Racing Association have announced the creation of the six-race “Thoroughbred Championship Series” to start next year. Listen: On WBAL News Now at 6, WBAL’s Scott Wykoff reports on the impact on the Preakness. [audio mp3="https://dehayf5mhw1h7.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2100/2026/08/03221354/lang-wykoff.m…

11 hours ago·Baltimore, United States

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USA Today

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New horse racing series leaves Preakness out, raises Triple Crown doubt

There's a new 6-race series that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes but not the Preakness Stakes. Here's what it means for horse racing:

11 hours ago·New York, United States

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Newsday

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Center

Churchill Downs and New York Racing Association unveil 6-race championship series

Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association have announced a six-race championship series that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes and a $5 million prize pool.

12 hours ago·Melville, United States

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NBC Washington

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Preakness the only Triple Crown jewel left out of championship series

LAUREL, MARYLAND – MAY 16: A view of the race during Preakness 151 Hosted By 1/ST at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026 in Laurel, Maryland. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for 1/ST)

13 hours ago·Washington, United States

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