The quest for the elusive Triple Crown by California Chrome has resulted in the NBC Sports Group doubling the number of hours it will devote to the 146th Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
According to an announcement from NBC Sports Group, the 16 hours of programming will begin Wednesday, June 4. NBC will provide the main coverage of the race beginning at 4:30 p.m. June 7. (All times EDT).
A California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit, California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and will be seeking to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
Coverage begins June 4 at 6:30 p.m. on NBCSN, with "California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion", a special 30-minute documentary narrated by Bob Costas detailing the story of Chrome's team of co-owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, trainer Art Sherman, and jockey Victor Espinoza.
On Thursday, June 5, at 5:30 p.m. on NBCSN, "Belmont Classics" will look at past Belmont Stakes winners including three consecutive Triple Crown upsets: 2002 winner Sarava (beat Triple Crown hopeful War Emblem), 2003 winner Empire Maker ridden by NBC analyst and Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey (topped Triple Crown contender Funny Cide), and 2004 winner Birdstone (beat Triple Crown hopeful Smarty Jones ). "Belmont Classics" continues at 6:30 p.m. with a look at 2011 winner Ruler on Ice, 2012 winner Union Rags , and 2013 winner Palace Malice .
On Friday, June 6, at 5 p.m., NBCSN presents "Belmont Stakes Access" featuring live race coverage of the True North Stakes (gr. II) and Belmont Gold Cup Invitational, as well as Belmont Stakes news, interviews, and analysis. Later Friday evening at 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, NBCSN presents special one-hour looks back at California Chrome's victories in the Derby and Preakness.
Race coverage on Saturday, June 7, begins at 2:30 p.m. on NBCSN, continues at 4:30 p.m. with the 146th running of the Belmont Stakes on NBC, and is followed by a post-race show at 7 p.m. on NBCSN. Click here and scroll down right margin to "NBCSN Channel Fiinder" for local listings.
The Belmont Stakes
| Date | Time | Event | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weds., June 4 | 6:30 p.m. | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion | NBCSN |
| Weds., June 4 | 10:30 p.m. | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion (Encore) | NBCSN |
| Thurs., June 5 | 5:30 p.m. | Belmont Classics (2002 Winner Sarava, 2003 Winner Empire Maker, 2004 Winner Birdstone) | NBCSN |
| Thurs., June 5 | 6:30 p.m. | Belmont Classics2011 Winner Ruler on Ice, 2012 Winner Union Rags, 2013 Winner Palace Malice) | NBCSN |
| Thurs., June 5 | 7:30 p.m. | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 3:30 p.m. | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 4:00 p.m. | Belmont Classics (2002 Winner Sarava, 2003 Winner Empire Maker, 2004 Winner Birdstone) | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 5:00 p.m. | Belmont Stakes Access | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 8:00 p.m. | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 8:30 p.m. | 140th Kentucky Derby | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 9:30 p.m. | 139th Preakness Stakes | NBCSN |
| Fri., June 6 | 10:30 p.m. | Belmont Stakes Access (Encore) | NBCSN |
| Sat., June 7 | Midnight | California Chrome: The Unlikely Champion | NBCSN |
| Sat., June 7 | 2:30 p.m. | Belmont Prep | NBCSN |
| Sat., June 7 | 4:30 p.m. | The 146th Belmont Stakes | NBC |
| Sat., June 7 | 7:00 p.m. | Belmont Post-Race Show | NBCSN |
