The Horse Racing Radio Network has reached an agreement with Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland Jockey Club to become the exclusive national radio network for the 2008 Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
HRRN will provide live coverage of the Preakness May 17 from 5:30-7 EDT. In addition to its national Preakness coverage, HRRN plans a three-hour live broadcast of the stakes on the Preakness undercard from 2-5 p.m., and will provide live coverage of the Pimlico Special (gr. I) and Black Eyed Susan Stakes (gr. II) May 16. Mike Penna and Pete Kules, founders of HRRN, will co-host the broadcasts.
HRRN, based in Lexington, will air more than 50 broadcasts this year, including grade I races such as the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, Kentucky Oaks, Stephen Foster Handicap, Arlington Million, Travers Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup. The 2008 broadcast schedule is available on the HRRN Web site.
“Everyone at the Maryland Jockey Club takes a tremendous amount of pride in putting on a first-class show during Preakness week,” Mike Gathagan, MJC vice president of communications, said in a statement. “It is not only something we are proud of, but the Preakness experience is special to Baltimore and Maryland. To be able to host an event of this magnitude means so much in so many ways, and the addition of HRRN’s national coverage will allow racing fans from coast to coast to feel as if they are here for this special event.”
“The Preakness is one of the most historic and exciting events on the racing calendar,” Penna said. “The possibility of having a Triple Crown candidate is usually still alive with the Derby winner, and when that horse comes to the top of the stretch, the atmosphere is electric. We are thrilled to be able to bring the excitement of this spectacular race to a national radio audience.”