The National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s website, NTRA.com, will offer free, live video streaming $800,000 Sunland Derby (gr. III) from Sunland Park March 28.
A graded event for the first time in 2010, the Sunland Derby is a major source of earnings for horses looking to improve their standing on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) graded stakes earnings list, which will determine starting berths for the Run for the Roses should more than 20 enter.
Last year, local hero Mine That Bird used the Sunland Derby as a springboard to a 50-1 upset victory in the Kentucky Derby. This year’s event drew a competitive field of nine, led by the undefeated Conveyance, who captured the Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park last time out. Conveyance is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who will be interviewed live during the Webcast.
Sunday’s program, to be anchored by ESPN/ABC analyst and NFL Network host Randy Moss, will begin at 7:30 p.m. (ET), with post time for the Sunland Derby slated for 7:45 p.m. The race also will be televised live on TVG.
The Sunland Derby is one of several races leading to the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships that will be Webcast live on NTRA.com. The series, called “NTRA Live!”, will feature interviews with handicappers and on-track analysts, interactive chats with viewers, pre-and post-race analysis, handicapping selections, easy access to free past performance data and advance deposit wagering platforms, as well as other original and unique programming components. The programs will be produced and directed by Tim Turrell, who has produced numerous telecasts on horse racing and other sports for ESPN, The Golf Channel and others. Access to the Webcast is free.
Following Saturday’s Webcast, NTRA Live will continue April 17 with the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II) from Keeneland.