The Thoroughbred Championship Series, a six-race, season-long competition set to launch in 2027, will be created by Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association. The series will consist of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1 and Belmont Park and Saratoga before concluding in Louisville in September. The $5 million prize pool will be awarded based on final standings. Trainer Dale Romans, who also serves as president of a horsemen’s organization, said the series rewards strategy and rewards horses' decisions over racing horses. The Preakness Stakes is not part of the series, but the future of the Preaknesses and Triple Crown is uncertain.