Churchill Downs and NYRA launch new six-race series, leaving Preakness out

Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing Association announced a joint six-race series set to begin in 2027, offering a $5 million bonus to the top point-earner. The schedule will feature the Kentucky Derby on May 2, the Belmont Stakes on June 5, the Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in early July, the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes at Saratoga in late July and August, and a newly created race at Churchill Downs in September. The Preakness Stakes, traditionally run two weeks after the Derby, is absent from the lineup.

Industry sources said the timing of the Preakness has become difficult for modern trainers, noting that recent Derby winners such as Golden Tempo, Sovereignty and Rich Strike skipped the race. A Maryland Jockey Club proposal to move the Preakness three weeks after the Derby was not incorporated into the new series, leaving the Maryland venue isolated from the broader plan.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the state’s recent purchase of the Preakness’s intellectual property rights for $85 million would “leverage the Preakness’s iconic status and uplift our horse racing industry,” emphasizing anticipated economic benefits for local communities.

The new partnership will split broadcast coverage between NBC and Fox, and will use a points system to determine the $5 million winner. Retaining the Belmont’s traditional June date means a three-week gap between the Derby and Preakness would further compress the schedule, making it unlikely that horses could contest both the Preakness and Belmont.

Critics note that other races, such as the Haskell at Monmouth Park, may lose prominence under the new structure. Owner Mike Repole, who recently won the Jim Dandy, expressed support for the series.