Having pointed to a surge of developments in North American racing, including the formation of two super racing ‘leagues’ set to debut in 2027, as the United States seeks to “bring fans to a historic sport in a modern way through storytelling and social media … dramatic rivalries, high-stakes betting, and a championship that builds race-by-race”, the sudden allegiance of once-competing interests should be noted.

With the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series (TCS) for three-year-olds, featuring the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, Matt Winn Stakes, Jim Dandy Stakes, Travers Stakes and a Championship Race at Churchill Downs, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) have effectively circled the wagons against the state of Maryland. Maryland exercised first rights to the Preakness Stakes for US$85 million, matching an acquisition offer originally made by CDI.

Almost simultaneously, it was announced on Wednesday, July 29, that CDI would repurchase a 49 per cent stake in United Tote Company from NYRA Content Management Solutions, LLC, an NYRA subsidiary, restoring full ownership of United Tote to CDI.