NYRA announces creation of lucrative Turf Triple Series for three-year-olds

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced the creation of the 2019 Turf Triple Series, two three-race series patterned after the Triple Crown.

The "Turf Trinity" series for three-year-olds and the "Turf Tiara" series for three-year-old fillies will offer total purse money of $5.25 million and will be held at Belmont Park and Saratoga.

The Turf Trinity series kicks off with the $1 million Belmont Derby (G1) over 1 1/4 miles on July 6. It will be followed by the inaugural $1 million Saratoga Derby at 1 3/16 miles on August 4 and the the inaugural $1 million Jockey Club Derby at Belmont on September 7. The Jockey Club Derby will be a "Win & You're In" Breeders' Cup Challenge race.

The Turf Tiara series kicks off with the $750,000 Belmont Oaks (G1) over 1 1/4 miles on July 6, followed by the inaugural $750,000 Saratoga Oaks over 1 3/16 miles on August 2 and the inaugural $750,000 Jockey Club Oaks over 1 3/8 miles at Belmont on September 7.

"As American racing moves more towards the turf, both series of races should enhance the value of turf stallions, mares and quality turf runners," said Martin Panza, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing Operations. "If this helps farms, breeders, sales companies and owners, while at the same time providing an exciting new racing event for race fans to follow, then our efforts will be well rewarded.

"NYRA will continue to maintain a strong commitment towards our three-year-old dirt schedule offering the best of both worlds. There has been tremendous industry support and NYRA would like to thank those involved for their understanding and cooperation."