Season 27: What's New

 

Another season is here, and this one hits different.

Not only does Season 27 conclude with our Virtual Kentucky Derby lining up with the real-life “Run for the Roses,” but it's a season that reflects months of community feedback, player data, and one guiding principle: more ways to race, more ways to win, no matter who you are or what's in your stable.

Season 27 is for the grinders, the builders, the syndicates, the comeback stories, and the underdogs. 

On the final week of the season, Saturday is for the Derby. We hope to see you there. 

Let's break down what's new, what's improved, and what's built for you.

Focused on You: A Season of Options

After an offseason filled with breeding economy tweaks and reflections, this season's theme is options. 

Whether you're running a top-tier stud or grinding with budget buys, we've built pathways for success. From expanded race series and strategic benchmark tweaks to more lucrative freerolls and leaderboard revamps, there are now more profitable places to race your horse than ever.

Let's dive into it.

Breeding Adjustments – Lower Costs, Better Flow

Following last season's sweeping breeding reforms, we've made cost corrections to help keep players engaged without compromising their long-term health.

Minimum Breed Fee Reductions:

• S- and lower grades: 1,000 Derby
• S Grade Horses: 3,000 Derby

Timing Rules Reminder:

• Horses must be in stud before breeding opens
• You can change your stud fee once between hours 12–48
• Horses must be in stud for at least 36 hours before changes are allowed.

Grade Restricted Series – For All Horses, Not Just Elites

Our Grade Restricted Series now runs bi-weekly, giving everyone multiple shots at the Finals. 

Whether new or experienced, you now have chances to qualify and cash.

• Age 3+ Series
  • W2 Finals: Day 14 at 4f / 7f / 11f
  • W4 Finals: Day 28 at 6f / 9f / 12f
  • ~$9,000 added in total prizes!
  • Stakes races revamped for easier entry and freeroll access
  • NW2, NW4, and Earnings races now qualify with 3/2/1 points
• Juvenile Series
  • Starts Day 1, Finals on Day 28 at 6f / 10f
  • S- and lower lumped together
  • The payout increases across all levels.
    

Allowance & Benchmark Updates – Strategy Meets Opportunity

Allowance Races:

• A-/SS- Range
• Choose your loadout: 2lbs (standard) or 1.5lbs (new lighter option)
• NW & Earnings-based races fill the schedule.

Benchmark Rework:

For the first time, players can strategically pick their weight tier. Want to test your horse against higher benchmarks and carry more weight? Go for it. Do you prefer lower weights and tactical entries? That's now possible.

• New Ranges:
  • 75-85
  • 70-80
  • 65-75
  • 60-70
  • 55-65 *
  • 50-60 *
• ( = Sponsored by Big Brain Fairgrounds with bonus incentives – more below! )*

Maidens & Freeroll Shifts – More Entry, More Derby

• Maidens: S- and lower combined into C-/S- Allowance Maidens
• Freerolls: All payouts now in Derby (no more $CROWN)
• Lineage Cup: Now runs final Monday of the season
  • Premier Events: 80k Derby
  • Undercards: 32k Derby
• 3+ Kingmaker FINALES: New schedule – RD/LD Thursday, LT/RT Saturday

Leaderboard Revamp – Bigger Fields, Better Rewards

• Allowance Leaderboard: Now includes benchmark races
• Claiming Leaderboard: Adjusted to 40 payout spots
• Grade Restricted Leaderboard: Adjusted to 25 payout spots
• All leaderboard payouts now in USD (except claiming, which stays in $CROWN)

Sponsored Series – Community-Driven Competitions

Bukidnon Breeder's Bonanza

Day 1 kickoff sponsored by La Jolla Fields, Bukidnon Farms, and Ziggurat

• Juvenile Kingmaker Race (Each Archetype)
• 10f | 6k Derby Buy-in | $250+ prize pool
• Top 14 breeders guaranteed entry by archetype (WL event)
• 4 open spots available via 7k Derby sponsorships

Claim to Fame

High-stakes claimers sponsored by Zedge

• Distances: 5f / 8f / 10f | Juvenile & 3+ Series
• Claim Tags:
  • $28k claim: 4/3/2/1 pts
  • $14k claim: 2/1 pts
• Final Sunday Showdown: $500 overlay per race

Redemption Run

Ziggurat + Blue Exotic Capital Partners & Equestrian Club

• 2yo RD Series for slow starters
• 5/7/9f | Day 8–26 | 6 races/day
• Final Freeroll: $1,000 (80k Derby) at 7f
• All entry fees are rake-only – pure leaderboard play

Horse Pilled Series

Thursday Twitter Space Showcases + Finale

• Sponsored by Big Brain Fairgrounds
• Weekly qualifiers → End-of-season 7f & 11f Finals
• A-/SS- Allowance (3+) | $200 Final Pot

Phoenix Splash Series

Benchmarks get with RT & LT Sponsored Incentives

• 50–60 and 55–65 Benchmarks
• $1 in $CROWN per race
• Finals at 6f & 10f in both archetypes

Final Thoughts – Season 27 Is for You

Season 27 is the most community-activated and player-first season we've ever launched. Whether you're chasing a championship, grinding the benchmarks, or giving a second life to a juvenile that started slow, there's a lane for you to win.

We'll see many of you at the real Kentucky Derby and at our Virtual Kentucky Derby celebration!