The Thoroughbred Championship Series will begin in 2027 with the Kentucky Derby and conclude with a newly created championship race at Churchill Downs in September. The announcement has raised questions about the future role of the traditional Triple Crown after the Preakness Stakes was left outside the new competition. “The Thoroughbred Championship Series will extend the excitement of the sport across a five-month season,” said Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of CDI. The Churchill Downs races will be broadcast on NBC, while NYRA events will air on FOX through existing television partnerships. Together with Churchill Downs and our television partners, we are building on tradition to carry the excitement of these marquee races through the entire season.”