The 2026 Triple Crown Series begins Saturday, May 2, with the 152nd running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) at 1 1/4 miles at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 151st running of the $2 million Preakness Stakes (GI), contested at 1 3/16 miles, will follow on Saturday, May 16 at Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. The series concludes with the 158th running of the $2 million Belmont Stakes (GI) at 1 1/4 miles on Saturday, June 6 at Saratoga Racecourse in Saratoga Springs, NY
The early nomination phase closes Monday, January 26 at midnight (all times Eastern).
Horses can still be nominated during the late nomination stage with a $6,000 payment between Tuesday, January 27 and Monday, April 6. The final opportunity for eligibility is through an additional nomination fee due upon registration for each Triple Crown race: Kentucky Derby ($200,000), Preakness ($150,000) and Belmont Stakes ($50,000).
In 2025, early Triple Crown nominations include 373 horses with an additional five late nominees.
For more information, please contact Triple Crown host track representatives:
Churchill Downs: Ben Huffman: 502-638-3820 | Ben.Huffman@KyDerby.com; Dan Bork: 502-638-3806 | Dan.Bork@KyDerby.com; Baley Haas: 502-638-3816 | Baley.Hare@ellisparkracing.com; Kelly Danner: 502-638-3825 | Kelly.Danner@KyDerby.com
Pimlico Race Course: Jillian Sofarelli: 800-638-1859 | Jtullock@marylandracing.com
Belmont Park: Harry Wright: 504-919-9901 | hwright@nyrainc.com
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