HRTV, TVG, and ABC to Cover Dubai Racing

With the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) an annual highlight of the early-season racing calendar, HRTV and TVG will offer coverage of Nad Al Sheba racecourse in the United Arab Emirates March 25, beginning at 9 a.m. EDT. In addition, ABC will provide on-site coverage of the World Cup and UAE Derby (UAE-II) for the first time.

HRTV's coverage of Saturday's card at Nad Al Sheba racecourse is the culmination of the 11-day Dubai International Racing Carnival, which the station has covered in its entirety.

The 11th running of the world's richest day of racing includes six graded stakes--four group I events, and a pair of group II races--and totals $21 million in purses. The Dubai World Cup is scheduled for 12:20 p.m. ET on HRTV and 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

Also included in ABC's 90-minute show will be the $2-million UAE Derby (UAE-II) and highlights of the $5-million Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-I); the $5 million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-I); the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-I); and the $1-million Godolphin Mile (UAE-II). HRTV and TVG will cover the aforementioned races in entirety.

On site to present commentary, analysis and interviews on ABC will be Chris Fowler, Jerry Bailey, Randy Moss and Jeannine Edwards. Bailey, the retired Hall of Fame jockey, was aboard four of the first seven Dubai World Cup winners.

"This is a milestone for NTRA televised racing coverage," said D.G. Van Clief, commissioner of the NTRA of ABC's 90-minute Dubai race program. "We are committed to bringing racing fans the most important racing we can and extending our franchise internationally affirms that commitment."

In addition to covering the races, ABC's telecast will also feature a segment on the process of shipping a group of American horses from South Florida to Dubai.