Santa Anita Hits High Definition Picture

The March 6 Santa Anita Handicap highlighted the first of six two-hour presentations of horse racing from Santa Anita Park on HDNet, a television network dedicated to the high definition format.

The remaining five shows will take place March 13, 10-12 p.m. (ET); March 20, 9-11 p.m. (ET); March 27, 9-11 p.m. (ET); April 3, 9:30-11:30 p.m. (ET); and April 11 8:30-10:30 p.m. (ET). These five shows will comprise the HDNet Horse Racing Challenge, a competition featuring all Santa Anita trainers, five jockeys, and three handicappers, who will compete to win a high-definition television.

"High definition television and horse racing are a perfect fit," said Mark Cuban, co-founder and president of HDNet as well as outspoken owner of the National Basketball Association's Dallas Mavericks. "HDNet's coverage of these races will show viewers the beauty and excitement of horse racing in a way that only 1080i HDTV can achieve."

The Santa Anita telecasts will be hosted by Kenny Rice and Chris McCarron, with each show featuring at least six races from the Arcadia, Ca., track. Last year, Lone Star Park in Texas played host to HDNet's inaugural Horse Racing Challenge.