COLONIE - The Christian Brothers Academy football team waited a long time to get back on the field against Saratoga Springs. Friday night, the Brothers held a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter when CBA coach Bobby Burns decided it was best to play keep away.
The Blue Streaks had just scored a touchdown on a fourth-down play and CBA was determined to run off the final 7:42 off the clock. That meant going for it on a fourth-and-5 play from the CBA 36-yard line. The Brothers managed to pick up the first down as senior quarterback Matt Kowalski connected with junior receiver Jack Hulett for five yards. CBA proceeded to run off the remaining time to register a 21-14 Class AA victory.
"I had my coaches yelling in my ear the whole night that we could run that," Burns said regarding the fourth-down gamble. "I was a little concerned about (Saratoga Springs junior defensive end Cam Toomey) on the edge with him getting a hand on it and swatting it down. If we don't get that, it changes a lot of the game."
"It definitely means a lot that the coaches have trust in us," Hulett said. "We work hard and they trust we will get the job done."
CBA entered the Section 2 Class AA playoffs in 2025 as the No. 1 seed with the program seeking a fifth consecutive sectional championship. Saratoga Springs emerged with a 14-13 victory in a driving rainstorm at Colonie High School. In the rematch, the Brothers (2-0 overall, 1-0 Class AA) prevailed in a game where the two teams combined for 26 penalties.

#brothers #fourth #down #hulett

The Jockey Club Gold Cup, which will headline next Friday's reopening day card at Belmont Park, has reportedly lost one of its biggest stars.
Daily Racing Form's David Grening reported Friday that 2025 Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers winner Sovereignty, who was targeting the Gold Cup coming off of his win in the Whitney last month at Saratoga, has officially been ruled out of the Grade 1, $1 million race.
Sovereignty developed an abscess in his left hind foot a little more than a week ago, which forced the reigning Horse of the Year to miss two planned workouts. Grening reported that trainer Bill Mott hopes to have Sovereignty return to the track by the middle of next week and plans to attempt to train the 4-year-old colt up to the Oct. 31 Breeders' Cup Classic, rather than having him race beforehand.
The absence of Sovereignty means the Jockey Club Gold Cup will no longer feature one of the most anticipated head-to-head horse racing matchups of the year.
Sovereignty enjoys some quiet at trainer Bill Mott's barn on Aug. 9 at Saratoga Race Course's Oklahoma training track. (Skip ****** stein)

#club #belmont #grening

On Monday, Patrons walked out of the Saratoga Race Course for the final time this summer and crew members packed their gear as they closed out the 2026 racing season in Saratoga Springs.
The season saw 50 days of racing, including a 45-day summer meet and the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
A few colorful coats remain in the nearly empty jockey silks room on the last day of racing at Saratoga Race Course. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)
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This article originally published at Photos: Closing day at Saratoga Race Course.

#racing

A 4-year-old filly died earlier this week after competing in a stakes race at Saratoga Race Course, after the horse was found to have suffered a fracture that left her unable to put her full weight on her left hind leg.
According to the state Gaming Commission's Equine Death and Breakdown Database, Marvelous Madison, who was trained by Jorge Abreu, was returned to her barn after finishing fifth in the Yaddo Stakes over Saratoga's Mellon turf course on Aug. 30. In the barn, Marvelous Madison became "toe touching lame in the left hind leg," meaning the filly was hesitant to put her full weight on the affected leg.
According to the Gaming Commission database, further evaluation of Marvelous Madison "revealed a displaced fracture." Because of the "poor prognosis," the database states, Marvelous Madison was euthanized.
The 4-year-old Marvelous Madison ran seven times in her career, with four of those races - including both of her career victories - coming at Saratoga. Earlier this summer at Saratoga, she won an allowance race on July 26 in her first race since August 2025.
On the state database, Marvelous Madison's injury and death were listed as "other" in the description of the incident, rather than being specifically racing- or training-related.

#madison #according #stakes

Girls' soccer teams around Section 2 hit the pitch last week for their first official practices of the 2026 season, hoping to set the foundation for a run at a championship this fall.
Last year, championships were won by Saratoga Springs in Class AAA, Niskayuna in Class AA, Schalmont in Class A, Mechanicville in Class B and Stillwater - an eventual state champion - in Class C. The Class D ******* le was shared by Northville and Fort Ann.
But, as with every year, the landscape is sure to change this season. Some powerhouse programs were hit hard by graduation, talented new challengers are ready to emerge and some of the area's top returning players are poised to take their games - and their teams - to the next level.
The area's girls' soccer schedule this fall is packed with rivalry games and showdowns that will have major playoff implications while also providing a chance for some of the Capital Region's top players to go head-to-head. Here are 10 regular-season games on the girls' soccer calendar that can't be missed.
Sept. 3, 12:30 p.m.

#teams

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Chalk up another one who fell to the "Graveyard of Champions."
Saratoga Race Course has long been known as the track where some of horse racing's greatest legends suffered their most surprising losses. Saturday, another superstar was defeated at the Spa, as Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo could only muster a late-closing third in a Travers Stakes won by the inexperienced Leading Change, who was making just his third career start.
After winning the Derby and Belmont with similar late runs, Golden Tempo lingered at the back of the pack early in the Travers in company with his familiar rival, Renegade.
But unlike during the Triple Crown season, on Saturday the speed horses were able to hang on at the front of the field. Frontrunner Napoleon Solo held the lead deep into the stretch until the Brad **** -trained Leading Change, who sat second throughout the race under jockey Manny Franco, made his final surge to win by a half-length.
"The pace was slow, and I thought that was gonna be to our detriment," said Golden Tempo's trainer, Cherie DeVaux. "The horses in front of us are definitely quality horses … it didn't work out for us today."

#saratoga #belmont #tempo

SARATOGA SPRINGS - More than $60 million was wagered on Saturday's Travers Day card at Saratoga Race Course, a noted increase from 2025 and the second-highest all-sources wagering handle in the history of the Travers.
The New York Racing **** ociation announced Saturday night that Travers Day, headlined by Leading Change's win in the Midsummer Derby, generated an all-sources handle of $60,863,320, including an on-track wagering handle of $11,197,855.
Wagering on Travers Day jumped more than $6 million from a year ago, when $54,309,929 was wagered from all sources on a day highlighted by Sovereignty's Travers victory and a gutsy victory by the popular filly Thorpedo Anna in the Personal Ensign. This year's on-track handle was also an increase of nearly $1 million from 2025's figure of $10,369,950.
This year's Travers Day handle was second only to 2024, when a card highlighted by Fierceness winning the Travers over Thorpedo Anna generated a record $63,023,405.
The field breaks from the gate in the 157th Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday in Saratoga Springs. (Skip **** stein)

#sources #springs

Five-year-old Ways and Means was the odds-on favorite on the morning line in the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina Stakes, and she was the odds-on favorite when the field of 10 broke from the gate, and she ran exactly how an odds-on favorite should, with confidence and ease, hitting the wire 5 ½ lengths in front for her fifth graded stakes win, four of them coming at Saratoga Race Course.
The bay mare broke from post 7 under regular rider Flavien Prat, who kept her off the rail and several lengths off the pace in the early going of the 7-furlong Ballerina. With little urging from Prat, Ways and Means advanced on the horses in front of her, swinging wide around the final turn. Prat offered her some encouragement at the 3/16ths pole, rousing her to open up on her rivals, and open up she did for her seventh lifetime win from 13 starts.
"I was traveling well behind the pace, and when I got to the turn I didn't want to move too soon," said Prat, "but she naturally came with me and was wanting to go, so I kind of let her creep up to the pace. After that, when we turned from home, she responded.
"I think she has always shown how good she is. I think before it was more of a raw talent, but [now] she has the ability to be a bit more push-button. So [with] the mix of the talent and that, she made a good run today."
The Ballerina was Prat's fifth win on the Travers Day card.

#pace #lengths

Editor's Note: The Times Union is providing live coverage of today's 2026 Travers Stakes Day at Saratoga Race Course.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Ever since losing to Nitrogen earlier this year, Fully Subscribed has been dialed in.
On Saturday at Saratoga Race Course, the 4-year-old daughter of Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes winner Tiz The Law put that intensified ability on full display while capturing the Grade 1 Personal Ensign by a resounding 9 ¾ lengths.
The win earned her a free trip to the Breeders' Cup, too.
"I'm so happy," winning trainer Chad Brown said after the race. "Heck of a crowd here today at Saratoga. She got to show her stuff and show what she can really do."

#saratoga #times #union

Editor's Note: The Times Union is providing live coverage of today's 2026 Travers Stakes Day at Saratoga Race Course.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - In the Grade 1 Forego Stakes, Hymn was him.
Ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., Hymn chased speedy pacesetter Tip Top Thomas through the opening portions of the seven-furlong Grade 1 sprint, made a huge surge coming down the stretch to take the lead and held on for the win over a trio of late-rushing challengers Saturday during the Travers undercard at Saratoga Race Course.
It was the first career Grade 1 win for Hymn, whose career transformed when trainer Ron Moquett made the decision to make him a gelding. Since that move, he's won four of his five starts.
"I thought he was a beautiful, wonderful horse from Day 1, and I hated having to geld him," Moquett said. "When I did, I said, 'Now, let's just make him a racehorse and go try to win the Breeders' Cup.'"

#stakes #moquett

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Three Brand Racing, let's ride.
The very first race on Saturday's Travers Day card at Saratoga Race Course brought a unique brand of excitement when Club Reign, ridden by Edgard Zayas, ran a maiden special weight field of six other 2-year-olds off their feet en route to a six-length victory.
The performance was impressive, but the connections brought the hype. Club Reign was the first-ever starter for co-owner Three Brand Racing, the new racing enterprise of recently retired Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson.
As Wilson, music star Ciara - the former NFL QB's wife - and the couple's three children celebrated with their partners, there was plenty of hype in the winner's circle.
"Man, what an exciting day," a jubilant Wilson said. "We're so excited for Three Brand Racing and, obviously, Club Reign. What a blessing. We were so fired up about this horse. We felt like we had a tremendous athlete in this horse. (He's) our first one for me and Ciara and our team, our Three Brand Racing team, and to come out here and to win in Saratoga - and he won by a lot. He's a fast horse."

#club #reign #first

A 3-year-old trained by Cherie DeVaux died Friday after suffering a "cardiac event" while warming up to breeze at Saratoga Race Course.
According to the state Gaming Commission's Equine Death and Breakdown database, Stirring Words was warming up for a workout Friday when the colt "staggered" and "collapsed on the track surface." According to the database, Stirring Words "suffered a cardiac event (and) expired."
A 3-year-old colt trained by DeVaux and owned by Lael Stables, Stirring Words made three lifetime starts, most recently finishing eighth in a maiden special weight race on July 18 in Saratoga. That was Stirring Words' first start in nearly eight months.
Stirring Words died the day before Travers Day, a card that features two of DeVaux's top stars with Golden Tempo in the Travers and Englishman in the Jerkens.
The death of Stirring Words is the first racing- or training-related fatality recorded on the state database at Saratoga in more than a month, and just the third since the 2026 summer meet began on July 3.

#race

SARATOGA SPRINGS - If it feels like it's already been a long summer at Saratoga Race Course even before the meet reaches its biggest day, that's only because it's true.
"It's literally and figuratively the longest summer up here," New York Racing ****** ociation President and CEO David O'Rourke said in an interview ahead of Saturday's Travers Stakes, "but it's been a great one in my opinion."
The supersized summer meet hits its crescendo Saturday with the 157th running of the Travers Stakes. The $1.25 million race, which features the return of Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo, is set for a 6:35 p.m. post time and will highlight a blockbuster day of racing that includes six graded stakes.
A variety of factors have led to this being the longest summer in Saratoga's venerable history.
This is the third and final year of extra racing days being moved to the Spa due to the $455 million reconstruction of Belmont Park, which is set to reopen next month. In addition to Saratoga hosting its third Belmont Stakes back in June, it's also the second straight year that July racing at Saratoga started over Independence Day weekend. This year, the July 4 Racing Festival was considered the official start to the meet, resulting in a planned 46-day racing calendar spread out over 10 weeks due to a late Labor Day - the meet's traditional closing day - on Sept. 7.

#summer #meet #race

SARATOGA SPRINGS - Jockey Manny Franco is honest about the fact he doesn't know his Travers Stakes mount all too well just yet.
But, it's only a matter of time.
He's also quick to mention what he does know about Leading Change, the undefeated Brad ****** trainee entered in Saturday's Travers, and what matters most as he prepares for the 10-furlong race.
"I don't know the horse, but I do my homework," Franco said of his mount in the $1.25 million race. "He's 2-for-2. It's a fresh horse going into the race."
The mechanics will be much the same as a typical day at work for Franco, who has amassed 54 wins this summer at Saratoga through Thursday's card.

#saratoga #manny

Aug. 28 (UPI) -- Note: It was 58 years ago (Aug. 27, 1968) that I first reported for work at United Press International in Chicago, five floors above the Billy Goat Tavern. I've been writing for the company continuously ever since. Sunday will be the 45th anniversary of the first horse race I covered for UPI -- the inaugural Arlington Million.
It's a good thing it's a quiet week on the international front because the North American horse racing schedule is jam packed with goodies. There are five Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races and three others that offer purses of $1 million or more.
One of those seven-figure purses is the $1.25 million Grade I Travers at Saratoga, the "Midsummer Derby" with Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo seeking a virtual lock on year-end honors.
Another is the $1.75 million Grade I Ladies Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs, where the advertised purses are for Kentucky-breds. Others run for reduced amounts. The third is Friday's $1 million Grade II Charles Town Classic in West Virginia.
The Travers is one of the few remaining chances for 3-year-olds to run against their peers before trying their luck with older horses.

#million #purses #derby

Greenlight Capital is an investment management firm specializing in value-oriented strategies. The letter can be downloaded here. Greenlight Capital released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, reporting a 4.3% decline for the Partnerships and a 1.9% year-to-date gain, net of fees and expenses, compared with gains of 15.2% and 10.2% for the S&P 500 Index. The funds entered the quarter conservatively, but costly trading decisions and macro positions, particularly in gold and U.S. interest rates, weighed on results. Long positions contributed roughly 9%, offset by similar losses from shorts. The letter also highlighted concerns over speculative market conditions, using **** eX's $1.75 trillion IPO valuation and investment-grade rating as examples of excess. Looking ahead, Greenlight is more constructive on Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh's inflation stance and expects positions to recover if inflation moderates and rates remain unchanged. Additionally, reviewing the Strategy's top holdings could help identify its best ideas for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Greenlight Capital highlighted Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB). Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) operates as a branded beverage company in North America. On August 26, 2026, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) closed at $22.98 per share. Over the past month, Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) returned 0.35%, while its shares have declined 8.67% in the last 52 weeks. Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) has a market capitalization of $8.32 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $14.36 to $26.21.
Greenlight Capital stated the following regarding Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) provides bottled water through the retail channel as well as water delivery to homes and businesses. Its brands include Poland Spring, Pure Life, Mountain Valley and Saratoga. Following its merger with competitor BlueTriton Brands, integration challenges weighed on results and contributed to a material decline in the stock price. We believe these issues are temporary and that the merger will create synergies over time. We acquired our shares at an average price of $20.20, implying a 12% free cash flow yield on our expectation for 2027 results, which compares to peer free cash flow yields of 3-5%. PRMB ended the quarter at $24.44."
Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 57 hedge fund portfolios held Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) at the end of the second quarter, the same as in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE:PRMB) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the o

Kentucky Derby and Belmont champion Golden Tempo headlines a stellar field in the Travers Stakes. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Kentucky Derby champion and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo will look to complete his own version of the Triple Crown when he competes in the Travers' Stakes at Saratoga. As it enters its 157th year of existence, the "Mid-Summer Derby" is the oldest Stakes race specifically for three-year-old horses in the United States. The prestige and $1.25 million in purse money usually brings out a star-studded field of entrants and 2026 is absolutely no different. Nine other accomplished runners will challenge Golden Tempo including Kentucky Derby runner-up and Jim Dandy Stakes winner Renegade. Let's take a look at the ten runners and provide a thought on each in what should be an excellent betting race for the speculating public. The runners will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line provided. Carded as race 13, the Travers has an expected post time of 6:35 pm eastern time.
Son of Candy Ride won the Louisiana Derby in his second career start but was 10th in the Kentucky Derby and 5th in the Belmont Stakes. Inside draw will be a challenge and not sure how strong this Market is here. Invest elsewhere.
Unbeaten in two career starts and won the Indiana Derby in his last start. Will this son of Gun Runner be a bit too wet behind the ears for a race like this? Conditioner is top notch, but this is awfully big step up in competition. Not so sure this Change will be leading at the end.
LAUREL, MARYLAND - MAY 16: Napoleon Solo #10 ridden by jockey Paco Lopez celebrates after crossing the finish lne to win the 151st Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on May 16, 2026 in Laurel, Maryland. For the first and only time, Laurel Park is hosting the Preakness Stakes which is the second race of the Triple Crown jewel due to the traditional home of the race of the Pimlico Race Course undergoing complete renovations. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

#stakes #golden #runners

A.J. Cavotta will cap a standout golf year with an autumn trip to Florida.
A teaching pro at Anders Mattson Golf in Saratoga Springs, Cavotta grabbed Northeastern New York's PGA berth into the 50th **** istant PGA Professional Championship, shooting a 3-under-par 139 over 36 holes Monday at Mohawk to win the section's **** istants Championship.
Cavotta, 24, the 2019 Times Union boys' golf Athlete of the Year from Saratoga Springs, was in a three-way tie with Nolan Crowley, who also works at Mattson's studio, and Nick Frankl of Albany. A bogey-free second round of 5-under 66 gave Cavotta a five-stroke victory over Crowley, the 2018 TU boys' golf Athlete of the Year who also played at Saratoga.
The victory punched Cavotta's ticket to Port St. Lucie, Fla., where the Wanamaker Course at the PGA Golf Club will play host to the national **** istants championship Nov. 12-15, and adds to a 2026 season in which he:
• earned $40,000 by winning the Next Golf Tour Championship, a worldwide circuit played on golf simulators (February)
• finished fourth in the Massachusetts Open, taking home $4,500 (June)
• captured the $2,000 top prize at the Donald Ross Classic at Glens Falls, his first major victory in the NENYPGA (June)
• placed second in the New York Open, losing in a playoff, at Bethpage Black, winning $11,000 (July)
• took sixth in the Canada Cup at Victoriaville, Quebec, worth $4,900 (August)
• was selected as the NENYPGA's **** istant Professional of the Year (August)
Scotia native Laura Diaz, now living in Winston-Salem, N.C., tied for seventh in the U.S. Senior Women's Open in Ann Arbor, Mich., 10 shots behind winner Maria McBride of Sweden. Diaz, 51, hit all 14 fairways in three of her four rounds. She tied for 15th last season in her first year of eligibility. … Samantha Schuffenecker has been named the new women's golf coach at Union.

#cavotta #open #professional

A 17-year-old Utah boy is accused of killing his mother and 8-year-old half-brother after prosecutors say a masked figure matching his build was caught on camera roaming the neighborhood in the hours after a late-night shooting.
Saratoga Springs police arrested the teen on Aug. 14 after a 17-month investigation involving dozens of search warrants, hundreds of pieces of evidence and extensive forensic testing, the department said.
The teen was booked into juvenile detention after detectives screened two counts of first-degree murder with the Utah County Attorney's Office, police said.
Prosecutors later charged him in juvenile court with two counts of aggravated murder and obstruction of justice, according to charging documents obtained by Ksl.
16-Year-old Nc Girl Charged In Triple Murder Of Family Members, Arrested In Tennessee With 28-Year-old Man

#charged

(Original Caption) Louisville, KY: The twin spires atop the stands at Churchill Downs Race Track remind all of the magic of Thoroughbred racing.
In an effort to help elevate Thoroughbred racing among the everyday sports fan, Churchill Downs and the New York Racing ****** ociation will launch a three-year-old championship series consisting of six races beginning in 2027. Starting on the first Saturday in May with the Kentucky Derby and culminating in September with a return to Churchill Downs, the idea is to promote a familiarity with fans as the top three-year-old horses are encouraged to compete and develop those rivalries that can add to the lore of the sport of kings. A prize of $5 million in bonus cash will be awarded to the runner that accumulates the most points throughout the series.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - Racing is always good at the historic Saratoga Race Course. (Skip ****** stein/Albany Times Union via Getty Images)
The world's most famous race, and perhaps race track, will bat leadoff in this newly proposed racing series on May 1, 2027. The Kentucky Derby has been contested every year since 1875 on that dirt oval in Louisville, Kentucky known as Churchill Downs. Restricted to three-year-olds only, the consistency of this event and the ever-building notoriety surrounding it has made it the focal point for fans of all shapes and sizes. In an effort to continue to cultivate the massive interest generated by the Derby, the Belmont Stakes at the newly renovated Belmont Park will be the next race in the series on June 5. The Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs will follow in early July and then the series will shift to historic Saratoga for the Jim Dandy Stakes (late July, early August) and Travers Stakes (late August). A final Championship race will be run in September back beneath the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs.
The dates for both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes are set and the other dates are to be finalized. ****** ing of races will be important as encouragement for participation in the six-race series in a five-month span. Of course, another encouraging factor is a proposed $5 million prize pool that will be awarded based on points accrued during the series. Each individual race will still carry its own purse as well.

#race

Every summer at Saratoga Race Course builds to the crescendo of the Travers Stakes, and this year is no different.
The 2026 Travers, the 157th edition of Saratoga's signature race, will be held on Aug. 29 and is expected to draw a field headlined by Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo, as well Derby runner-up and recent Jim Dandy winner Renegade.
The potential field for the race will evolve in the weeks heading up to race time, but here's a look at the horses most likely to target a start in the Midsummer Derby:
When:
Saturday, Aug. 29

#travers

Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Churchill Downs and the New York Racing ****** ociation Monday a new grouping of races for 3-year-olds that includes the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, but not the third leg of the existing Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes, run in Maryland.
Churchill Downs and NYRA officials topped short of saying the six-race "Thoroughbred Championship Series" is designed to replace the historic Triple Crown. But with a $5 million bonus and longer ****** ing between the races, that would be the practical effect.
"This series is designed to showcase the sport's best 2-year-olds across a season-long championship, elevating our biggest events and creating the next generation of fans," David O'Rourke, the NYRA president and CEO, said Monday.
"By connecting these premier events through one championship, we're creating a season-long storyline that benefits the future of Thoroughbred racing," said Bill Carstanjen, the Churchill Downs Inc. CEO.
The series is to start with the Kentucky Derby on May 1 and follow with the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5, the Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in July, the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga in late July or early August, the Travers at Saratoga in late August and a "Championship Race" in September at Churchill Downs.

#churchill #championship #series #Monday

Over the last few years, the concept of winning the Triple Crown has been fading among horse racing's stakeholders.
On Monday, Churchill Downs Inc. and the New York Racing ****** ociation might have delivered its death blow.
In announcing a joint partnership for a six-race series beginning in 2027 with a $5 million bonus attached to the end of it, one entity was notably missing: The Preakness.
The six races will cover the Kentucky Derby on May 2; the Belmont Stakes on June 5; back to Churchill for the Matt Winn stakes in early July; the Jim Dandy and Travers Stakes at Saratoga in late July/August; and then a newly created race to finish the series at Churchill in September.
As for the Preakness, the second jewel of the Triple Crown? Well, it still exists, but the traditional timing of the race — two weeks after the Kentucky Derby — has become incompatible with the way modern trainers manage their thoroughbreds. Golden Tempo and Sovereignty, the last two Derby winners, both skipped the Preakness, as did Rich Strike in 2022.

#churchill #preakness #last

August 3 (UPI) -- Hold all tickets in the race for the 3-year-old championship. After Renegade stormed from the clouds to win Saturday's Jim Dandy at Saratoga, it appears Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo hasn't quite nailed down the crown yet.
The Jim Dandy was the feature attraction in a dandy weekend of racing that included the Arlington Million program at Colonial Downs, some well-funded new turf races at Ellis Park, a Breeders' Cup qualifier at Del Mar and more.
Internationally, Glorious Goodwood was a big success alongside Group 1 races in France and Germany.
The 3-year-olds
Twinkle Town wins Saturday's Grade II Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Photo by Joe Napolitano, courtesy of NYRA

#derby

Golden Tempo used a huge late kick to win the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. He now targets the Travers for his next start
Golden Tempo captured the hearts of the sporting world with dramatic wins in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes in the Spring. With the high-profile Summer Stakes races getting under way, trainer Cherie DeVaux has mapped out a plan for her prized three-year-old colt that has him training up to his next start in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 29.
In winning the world's most famous race, Golden Tempo placed himself as a real player in the Thoroughbred game. Last down the backstretch, lightning struck as this stretch-running son of Curlin thundered home with powerful strides and won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23 to 1 under a brilliant ride from jockey Jose Ortiz. The more you replay Derby 152, the more amazing it becomes as this miraculous run was nothing short of Golden.
After bypassing the Preakness Stakes, the Golden Tempo team went to Saratoga for the Belmont Stakes with something to prove. After becoming the first female to condition a Kentucky Derby champion, DeVaux was eager to show she was not a rising female trainer but just a rising trainer period. Tempo carried that 23 to 1 moniker into the starting gates as other entrants were favored over him as some viewed him as a "lucky" winner on the first Saturday in May. And then the gates opened and Golden Tempo set the record straight. Breaking from the outside post in a 9-horse field, the Phipps Stables and St. Elias Stables owned colt careened up the backstretch looking at all the others. When the real running started, there was Golden Tempo confidently crushing it down the stretch. Rolling to the finish a powerful length and a quarter to the good, there was no doubt as to who the best three-year-old was on that day and in this 2026 crop.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK - JUNE 06: Jose Ortiz atop Golden Tempo celebrates winning the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on June 06, 2026 in Saratoga Springs, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

June 7 (UPI) -- While American racing attention was riveted to Saratoga during the Belmont Festival weekend, much of the rest of the world had eyes on Epsom Downs for the Derby and the Oaks or on Tokyo Racecourse, where ******* anese milers tackled the Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen.
Of course, Derby was the main course.
Aidan O'Brien was a solid favorite to saddle his 12th Derby winner and fourth in a row, Saturday at Epsom Downs. And he did, but not without some surprises and a dash of controversy.
O'Brien had four runners in the Classic, including the favorite, Benvenuto Cellini, a Frankel colt who won the Group 3 Chester Vase as his entry to the big race.
But when the gates were sprung open for the Derby, Benvenuto Cellini got away well back in the field and it was two other O'Brien colts, Action and Christmas Day, who showed the way on the rain-soaked course.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK - JUNE 06: Golden Tempo with Jose Ortiz up, wins the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes with with Commandment and John Velazquez up finishing second at Saratoga Race Course on June 06, 2026 in Saratoga Springs, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The thrilling Belmont Stakes win at Saratoga by Golden Tempo has placed the Kentucky Derby champion firmly atop Thoroughbred racing’s most publicized division. The Triple Crown series for three-year-olds garners more attention than other races, but as the sport builds towards the Breeders’ Cup in late October, there will be plenty of action throughout the summer as others look to take a shot at the horse that became the 13th runner to pull off the Derby-Belmont Double
Entering the Belmont Stakes, Golden Tempo had plenty of doubters. His dream worst-to-first trip in the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 was thought to be a fluke that could not be duplicated against a smaller field. As a deep closer, trainer Cherie DeVaux’s darling was considered as too pace dependent to pull off another victory in a race that lacked early speed.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: Jockey Jose Ortiz of Golden Tempo celebrates with the Garland of Roses after winning the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Breaking from his outside post, that was said to be an obstacle by some, jockey Jose Ortiz calmly guided his mount over to the rail for another ground-saving trip in this mile and a quarter journey. Chasing much softer early fractions (23.96 opening quarter, 48.29 half mile) than he did in the Kentucky Derby, this son of Curlin was at the back, but much closer to the leaders in this nine-horse field. Rolling through traffic into the far turn the pace up front was not factor for a horse and jockey that moved as one. Unleashing his powerful closing kick down the lane, the Tempo turned out to be quite Golden as he flexed to the finish a length and a quarter ahead of a hard-trying Commandment. Cherie Devaux became the second female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes (Jena Antonucci 2023 Arcangelo) as she guided Golden Tempo to his third win in five starts this year and fourth victory in six career outings.

How to Watch Belmont Stakes 2026: Channel, Live Stream & Start Time for Triple Crown Race originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Get ready for the final leg of the Triple Crown.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be held on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course instead of Belmont Park, which is currently undergoing significant renovations. While there won't be a Triple Crown winner this year, the event should still provide plenty of entertainment for horse racing enthusiasts.
After winning the Kentucky Derby and skipping the Preakness Stakes, Golden Tempo will participate in the Belmont Stakes. Trainer Cherie DeVaux is hoping to see another victory, but Golden Tempo will have to beat top contenders like Renegade and Chief Wallabee.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 Belmont Stakes.

What time is the Belmont Stakes today? TV channel, post time, horses and more to watch 2026 Triple Crown race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The first weekend of June brings one last Triple Crown showcase for 3-year-old thoroughbreds in the Belmont Stakes.
While none of the entrants ran all three races this year, the Belmont field features the much-anticipated return of Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo.
However, the horse he edged out at Churchill Downs, Renegade, is the heavy betting favorite Saturday with 1-1 odds. Golden Tempo and fellow Derby horses Commandment and Chief Wallabee were all at 6-1 and cannot be counted out.
It should be an exciting race over a mile and a quarter at the Saratoga Race Course, which will host the Belmont for the third (and final) time before the event returns to its traditional home at Belmont Park after the completion of extensive renovations there.

The front-running horses in the Kentucky Derby last month completed the first quarter-mile in under 23 seconds and a half-mile in under 47 seconds.
That blistering pace paved the way for Golden Tempo's last-to-first charge from the back of the pack to win by a neck. Five weeks later, the Cherie DeVaux-trained colt is among the top contenders in the 158th rendition of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, even if there does not appear to be as much early speed in the field.
That could mean jockey Jose Ortiz has to ride a much different race to close out the Triple Crown than the masterful way he did to start it, especially considering the stiff competition from morning line favorite and Derby runner-up Renegade, as well as others returning to the track who ran in that race at Churchill Downs on May 2.
“We just have to hope that a pace materializes with his running style,” DeVaux said. “If that does not happen, Jose is going to have to come up with plan B to where he just doesn’t give himself so much to do in the later stages of the race."
Ortiz and Golden Tempo blew by brother Irad and Renegade just before the finish line at the Derby, needing every bit of the 1 1/4 miles. With this being the third and final time the Belmont takes place at Saratoga in upstate New York, it is also 1 1/4 miles before reverting to 1 1/2 next year.