Sometimes all it takes is one word of confidence to change the trajectory of a career. In this particular case, a gray colt named after a cat had caught the eye of a man who worked closely with him, his years of experience telling him that this horse was special. As the gray colt grew, so did the horseman’s faith, enough to change his owner’s mind. 

Gato del Sol may not have impressed owner Arthur Hancock III at first, but he rewarded the judgment of one yearling manager with a Derby win and a special prize. 

What it is: NYRA (New York Racing Association) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) are partnering to launch the Thoroughbred Championship Series, a new six-race season designed to keep fans engaged with 3-year-old horses beyond the traditional Triple Crown structure.

Launch Date: Starts in 2027, running over a five-month span from May through September.

The 6-Race Schedule:

Kentucky Derby (May 1) – Churchill Downs

Belmont Stakes (June 5) – Belmont Park

Matt Winn Stakes (July) – Churchill Downs

Jim Dandy Stakes (Late July/Early Aug) – Saratoga

Travers Stakes (Late Aug) – Saratoga

New Championship Race (September) – Location TBD

Stakes & Points System: Standings will be tracked via a points system across all six races to crown an overall champion, backed by a $5 million bonus pool awarded on top of individual race purses.

Broadcasting: Split between NBC (Churchill Downs events) and FOX (NYRA events) with streaming of all the races also available through TwinSpires app and desktop.

Stay-tuned for our wire-to-wire coverage of tomorrow's stakes races at Saratoga!

Royal Ascot captures the imagination because of its unique blend of monarchical pageantry, social prestige, high fashion, and the spectacle of top-level Thoroughbred racing. 

The premier British festival, slated for June 16-20, 2026, has taken on even greater importance for U.S. racing fans in recent years. Five key factors have aligned to drive interest across the pond:

• American success
• NBC Sports coverage
• Breeders’ Cup Challenge races
• World Pool betting
• Social media

Remember Jason Beem's AMA? Check out his thoughts on the Preakness Stakes, as he is joined by Mike Beer, along with these other discussions from Beem surrounding Preakness 2026. Did you have Napoleon Solo on your radar?

RELATED:

Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 18, 2026: Jason looks back at the Preakness (G1), talks about Napoleon Solo's win, and the entire card from Laurel Park.

Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 18, 2026: Jason discusses the Preakness (G1) from this past weekend. 

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Join me to talk all things Kentucky Oaks as we lead up to the big race on Friday night.  I’ve been announcing horse races for 20 years and even called the favorite for this year’s Kentucky Oaks, Zany, here at Tampa Bay Downs in February.  You can also hear me talk racing four days a week on the Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast brought to you by TwinSpires. 

Joining me are special guests Kellie Reilly (international expert), Jennifer Kelly, (equine historian), Keeler Johnson and Dean Kepler (handicapping experts).

Let's talk some 152 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby!

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James Scully here! The Road to the Kentucky Derby has ended and we are inching closer to the starting gate. With the post positions now set at Churchill Downs, the game is bound to changed.

A bad draw can turn a favorite into a play-against, and a great draw can turn a 20-1 longshot into a legitimate win threat. I’ve been grinding the replays and speed figures for every contender in the field, and I’m here to help you navigate how these starting spots will impact the pace, the trip, and—most importantly—the payout.

Let’s talk Derby and Oaks—Ask Me Anything!