All articles tagged with #nyra
Randy Moss contends NYRA and possibly Fox rushed a six-race Championship Series announcement to deflect blame for the Triple Crown’s decline onto the Preakness, as Maryland shifts the Preakness timing and NBC retains TV rights, underscoring ongoing rifts over the Triple Crown calendar and broadcast deals.
The storied Triple Crown appears eclipsed by a new six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series announced by the NYRA and Churchill Downs, beginning with the Kentucky Derby and concluding with a September finale at Churchill Downs with a $5 million bonus; the Preakness is excluded, prompting trainers to shift focus to the new series and threatening to diminish the old crown’s relevance as the sport reorganizes its marquee 3-year-old calendar.
Churchill Downs Inc. and NYRA unveiled a six-race Thoroughbred Championship Series for 3-year-olds starting in 2027, pairing the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes with races at Churchill Downs and NYRA tracks (Matt Winn, Jim Dandy, Travers) to crown a season-long champion with a $5 million bonus for the top eight point-earners. Each event will offer at least $1 million in purses; horses must compete in four of the six races. The Preakness is excluded, and the finale at Churchill Downs will be in September; NBC and FOX will televise the races.
Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association are partnering to launch a new series for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to showcase rising talent across their tracks.
The New York Racing Association plans to run Opening Day at Saratoga on Friday despite scorching heat, following New York State Gaming Commission heat guidelines. Horses are inspected by NYRA veterinarians, cooling stations and hydration measures are in place, and real-time weather monitoring is used to adjust conditions as needed. The 11-race card starts at 1:10 p.m., with a forecast for milder temperatures over the weekend.
NYRA announced its 2025 summer season giveaways at Saratoga Race Course, including sunglasses, T-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, blankets, pennants, tote bags, and sweatshirts, all free with paid admission while supplies last, with special packages available for purchase.