(Edited NTRA release)
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced June 30 the broadcast schedule for “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA.” The series, which will air on the ESPN networks beginning Saturday, July 25, will provide comprehensive live coverage of grade I summer racing fixtures from three of America’s top tracks.
Beginning with the $350,000 Eddie Read Stakes (gr. IT) July 25 from Del Mar, “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA” will take viewers from coast to coast as it showcases some of racing’s biggest stars--many of whom will go on to compete in the Nov. 6-7 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
On Aug. 8, the scene shifts to Arlington Park for the Arlington Million (gr. IT), which annually attracts top grass runners from around the world for its seven-figure purse. The Arlington Million also serves as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” event for the grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf.
The series concludes on Aug. 29 with the $1-million Shadwell Travers Stakes (gr. I) from Saratoga. The Travers could bring together all three winners from this year’s Triple Crown events--Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Mine That Bird, Preakness Stakes (gr. I) heroine Rachel Alexandra, and Belmont Stakes (gr. I) victor Summer Bird.
“We are very pleased to once again partner with ESPN in bringing racing fans key summer contests from three of the sport’s showpiece racetracks,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA president and CEO.
The following is the schedule for “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA”:
July 25 Eddie Read Stakes ESPN2 8:00-9:00 p.m
Aug. 8 Arlington Million ESPN 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Aug. 29 Travers Stakes ESPN 4:30-6:00 p.m.