ESPN to Air Seven Summer Racing Shows

(Edited press release)

“NTRA Summer Racing” will air on the ESPN networks beginning Saturday, June 28, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association  announced June 17.

The slate of seven telecasts showcases of a host of major summertime races, capped off by the $1 million Travers Stakes (gr. I) from Saratoga. Known as “The Midsummer Derby”, the Aug. 23 Travers could feature a rematch of Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Brown against his Belmont Stakes (gr. I) conqueror Da’ Tara.

Beginning with live coverage of the grade I, $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup from Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif., “NTRA Summer Racing” will offer live coverage of 15 top races, including seven grade I events, from seven different race tracks.

“We are delighted to again partner with ESPN in bringing racing fans an array of rich, prestigious races from top venues around the country like Saratoga, Del Mar, Arlington, Monmouth and Hollywood,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. “With more than $7.5 million in purse money offered during ‘NTRA Summer Racing’, viewers are certain to see a slew of racing’s current and future stars lined up to compete.”

The following is the schedule for the 2008 NTRA Summer Racing (subject to change): 

Date--Network--Time (ET)--Race/Event--Track

June 28--ESPN2--7:00-8:00 p.m.--Hollywood Gold Cup--Hollywood Park

July 5--ESPN2--6:00-7:00 p.m.--United Nations, Salvator Mile Stakes--Monmouth Park

July 13--ESPN2--5:00-6:00 p.m.--Delaware Handicap, Barbaro Stakes--Delaware Park   
   
July 19--ESPN2--7:00-8:00 p.m.--San Diego Handicap--Del Mar

August 2    ESPN--5:00-6:00 p.m.--Darley Test Stakes--Saratoga; West Virginia Derby--Mountaineer Pk.

August 9    ESPN--5:00-6:00 p.m.--Arlington Million, Beverly D. Stakes--Arlington Park

August 23    ESPN--4:30-6:00 p.m.--Travers Stakes, NetJets King’s Bishop Stakes, Bernard Baruch Handicap--Saratoga