Churchill Downs and NYRA Launch Thoroughbred Championship Series with Fox, NBC

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated have unveiled a joint venture to create the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a season-long competition designed to maintain viewership beyond the Triple Crown. Slated to begin in 2027, the six-race series will feature three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing from May through September for a share of a $5 million bonus purse.

The schedule includes the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, though notably omits the Preakness Stakes. Organizers stated that the exclusion comes as the Preakness continues to face challenges attracting top horses due to the short turnaround following the Kentucky Derby. The series will continue with the Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, Travers Stakes, and a final championship race.

Broadcast rights for the series have been split between two major media companies. Fox Corporation will air the NYRA-run events, including the Belmont Stakes and races at Saratoga, through its Fox Sports division. Comcast Corporation, via its NBC Sports segment, will broadcast the Churchill Downs legs, including the Kentucky Derby.

Market performance for the involved broadcasters was mixed on Monday. Churchill Downs Incorporated saw its stock rise 4.8% to close at $87.48, giving it a market capitalization of approximately $5.76 billion. Meanwhile, Comcast Corporation shares edged up 0.86% to $24.76, while Fox Corporation dipped slightly, down 0.19% to $58.59.

Executives believe the format has potential for expansion into older horse divisions, turf races, and fillies if the inaugural season proves successful. Fox Sports president of insight and analytics Mike Mulvihill noted that the structure aims to pit the best competitors against one another, a strategy that could extend the sport’s relevance throughout the summer.

What to watch

• Performance of the inaugural 2027 season and viewership metrics during the Kentucky Derby promotion period.
• Potential future expansion of the series into other racing divisions.
• Financial impact of the unified points system and $5 million bonus purse on horse ownership participation.

Source: original release