(8-3-26) The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) (Nasdaq: CHDN)) today announced the creation of the “Thoroughbred Championship Series.” The new six-race competition will begin in 2027 and establish an annual season-long championship for America’s leading three-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The country’s most iconic racing venues – Churchill Downs Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course – will host the six-race series beginning on the first Saturday in May.

David O’Rourke, President and Chief Executive Officer of NYRA

“This series is designed to showcase the sport’s best three-year-olds across a season-long championship, elevating our biggest events and creating the next generation of fans.

The return of the Belmont Stakes to a newly transformed Belmont Park makes this an especially exciting moment for our sport. 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.”

Bill Carstanjen, Chief Executive Officer of CDI

“The Thoroughbred Championship Series will extend the excitement of the sport across a five-month season. The Kentucky Derby introduces millions of fans to a new generation of Thoroughbred stars each year, and this series gives those fans a reason to stay engaged with the sport’s biggest stars throughout the season. By connecting these premier events through one championship, we’re creating a season-long storyline that benefits the future of Thoroughbred racing.”

The inaugural 2027 Thoroughbred Championship Series is expected to include:

–Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs Racetrack on May 1

–Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets at Belmont Park on June 5

–Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs Racetrack in July (exact date TBD)

–Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late July/early August (exact date TBD)

–Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in late August (exact date TBD)

–Championship Race at Churchill Downs Racetrack in September (exact date TBD)

Note: The Preakness is not included in the series

A unified points system is designed to encourage the nation’s leading three-year-olds to compete against one another more frequently. In addition to individual race purses, a $5 million prize pool will be awarded based on the final standings, which will also provide owners and trainers with meaningful financial incentives to remain active throughout the championship series.

Each race will be broadcast to a national television audience. The NYRA races will air on FOX, while Churchill Downs races will air on NBC

CDI and NYRA will work collaboratively on the series’ rules, nominations process, marketing, sponsorship, wagering opportunities and television distribution. Broadcast, sponsorship and commercial partnership details will be announced as agreements are finalized.

Additional information regarding the race schedule, points system, eligibility rules, prize distribution and branding will be released shortly.

Bill Carstanjen and David O’Rourke will participate in a virtual news conference today, Monday, August 3, 2026 at 4 p.m. ET. Interested parties may listen to the conference call by accessing the online, real-time webcast and broadcast of the call here or by telephone at 800-715-9871 or 646-307-1963. Dial-in participants should reference Conference ID 8320599. Following the opening remarks, the moderator will open the call to questions. An online replay will be available following the call on CDI’s investor webpage at https://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/events-presentations.

Members of the media may also email the contacts listed below to submit questions in advance of the conference call by 2 p.m. ET. Questions will be addressed during the news conference as time permits.

About The New York Racing Association, Inc.
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (“NYRA”) is a not-for-profit organization franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide impact.

NYRA is the parent company of NYRA Bets, LLC, the national advanced deposit wagering platform launched in 2016 and currently available to customers in 38 states. NYRA Bets provides bettors the opportunity to wager on tracks worldwide from anywhere at any time. The NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at NYRABets.com.

About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”) (Nasdaq: CHDN) has created extraordinary entertainment experiences for over 150 years, beginning with the Company’s most iconic and enduring asset, the Kentucky Derby. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, CDI has expanded through the acquisition, development, and operation of live and historical racing entertainment venues, the growth of the online wagering businesses, and the acquisition, development, and operation of regional casino gaming properties. https://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/

The Preakness…not included-

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