Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes to be part of new Thoroughbred Championship Series. Missing: The Preakness.

A new Thoroughbred Championship Series has been established, incorporating two of horse racing's most prominent events. However, the Preakness Stakes has been left out of the arrangement, creating a distinct gap in the traditional triple crown alignment within this specific championship structure. This development marks a significant shift in how these premier racing events are grouped together for competition purposes. CBS News emphasizes the specific omission of the Preakness Stakes from the series.

This specific detail is the central point of the current news cycle, highlighting a divide between the three races that typically define the pinnacle of the sport. The coverage does not provide details on the specific terms of the series or the reasons for the exclusion of the Preakness. To understand why this matters, it is necessary to recognize the historical relationship between the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. These three races are traditionally linked as the Triple Crown, and any series that excludes one of them represents a departure from that long-standing sporting tradition.

The creation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series introduces a new competitive framework that does not align with the established trio of races, potentially altering the perceived prestige or the strategic approach of owners and trainers during the racing season. Moving forward, observers will be watching for any updates regarding the Preakness Stakes and its status relative to the Thoroughbred Championship Series. Because the current coverage from CBS News only confirms the exclusion of the Preakness, it remains to be seen if the race will seek alternative partnerships or if there will be subsequent changes to the series membership.