HRTV has scheduled 13 hours of programming, beginning with the June 6 post position draw, surrounding this year’s June 9 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) in which I’ll Have Another is seeking to become racing’s first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
Scott Hazelton, Richard Migliore, Aaron Vercruysse, Jeff Siegel, Zoe Cadman, Peter Lurie, and Caton Bredar will provide on-site coverage of the events leading up to the June 9 race.
In addition to the post position draw, the June 6 coverage includes a 2 1/2-hour block that will encompass a wide-range of programming that looks at the Triple Crown, as well as I’ll Have Another’s opportunity to join the 12 previous winners.
Five consecutive half-hour shows are set, beginning at 8:30 p.m. EDT with “Triple Crown Memories”, with HRTV hosts/analysts recounting their favorite Triple Crown memories through the years. Immediately following will be the debut of “2012 Triple Crown Moments” (9 p.m.) in which HRTV’s talent recall their favorite moments from this year’s Triple Crown season. The network’s on-air team will recount their favorite near misses since Affirmed’s Triple Crown in 1978 in “Triple Crown Misses” at 9:30 p.m.
The relationship between trainer Doug O’Neill and Santa Anita Park CEO Mark Verge that began in childhood have will be spotlighted in “The Guys: Doug O’Neill and Mark Verge” (10 p.m.). The final show in the block, “How to Win the Belmont” (10:30 p.m), will bring together three Hall of Fame jockeys--Gary Stevens, Laffit Pincay, Jr., and Mike Smith--as they discuss how to win the “Test of a Champion” and the best tactical game plan to derail I’ll Have Another’s bid.
On June 8, another half-hour show, “Remember a Champion”, premieres at 8 p.m. and will present a look at all living Kentucky Derby winners, and their lives today.
HRTV Belmont Stakes Programming
Wednesday, June 6
Belmont Stakes Draw -- 11 a.m.
Pursuit of the Crown -- Noon
Race Day America -- 12:30 p.m.
Across the Board -- 8 p.m.
** Triple Crown premieres**
Triple Crown Memories -- 8:30 p.m.
2012 Triple Crown Moments -- 9 p.m.
Triple Crown Misses -- 9:30 p.m.
The Guys: Doug O’Neill and Mark Verge -- 10 p.m.
How to Win the Belmont -- 10:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 7
Pursuit of the Crown -- Noon
Race Day America -- 12:30 p.m.
Remember a Champion -- 8 p.m.
Against The Odds -- 8:30 p.m.
Friday, June 8
Westrock Coffee First Call -- 11 a.m.
Pursuit of the Crown -- Noon
Race Day America -- 12:30 p.m.
The Edge -- 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 9 (Belmont Stakes Day)
Westrock Coffee First Call -- 11 a.m.
Pursuit of the Crown -- Noon
Race Day America -- 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 10
Westrock Coffee First Call -- 11 a.m.
Pursuit of the Crown -- Noon
Race Day America -- 12:30 p.m.