NBC Networks Will Televise Major TC Preps

[Alan07]

The three one-hour broadcasts, two on NBC and one on USA Network, will include the Louisiana Derby, the Lane's End Stakes, the Santa Anita Derby, the Wood Memorial, the Blue Grass Stakes and the Arkansas Derby.

Each of the three "Road to the Kentucky Derby' broadcasts will feature the races and handicapping and lifestyle segments along with the races, a strategy designed to broaden the audience for these races and to drive viewership of the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

The series leading to the May 1 Derby will begin March 27 on USA Network with the Louisiana Derby from New Orleans, and will also include the Lane's End Stakes from Turfway Park in Florence, Ky. On April 3, the Santa Anita Derby from California will be shown along with the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct. An April 10 broadcast will be headlined by the Blue Grass Stakes from Lexington, Ky., and the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark.

Ken Schanzer, the president of NBC Sports, said, "Adding the broadcasts of these important Derby prep races allows us to introduce key story lines that continue to build the broadest possible audience for the Kentucky Derby and the sport of thoroughbred racing."

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/11/sports/11racing.html