Churchill Downs, NYRA Launch 6-Race Series With $5 Million Bonus as Preakness Is Frozen Out
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 5
Churchill Downs, NYRA Launch 6-Race Series With $5 Million Bonus as Preakness Is Frozen Out
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 5
Summary
Starting in 2027, Churchill Downs and NYRA will run a six-race championship spanning the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Matt Winn, Jim Dandy, Travers and a new September finale, with a $5 million bonus decided by points.
The Preakness was left out because its spot two weeks after the Derby no longer fits how top trainers campaign 3-year-olds; recent Derby winners Sovereignty, Golden Tempo and Rich Strike all skipped it.
Maryland had been close to shifting the Preakness to three weeks after the Derby, but Belmont will stay five weeks after the Derby, leaving only two weeks between Preakness and Belmont for horses attempting both.
The move undercuts Maryland after it paid $85 million last week to keep Preakness intellectual property rights and continues a $400 million Pimlico rebuild, with the race due back there next year.
By aligning races and splitting broadcasts across NBC and Fox, Churchill and NYRA are steering incentives away from the traditional Triple Crown and toward a broader season-long series.