Eight-Show Derby Prep Package On ABC, ESPN

"Citgo Racing to the Kentucky Derby," an eight-show series on ABC and the ESPN networks that provides comprehensive coverage of the key Triple Crown prep races, returns on March 18, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Feb. 8.

Beginning with live coverage of the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) from Santa Anita Park on ESPN, "Citgo Racing to the Kentucky Derby" will present 18 races from 10 different racetracks between March 18 and April 29. In addition, the series will offer first-ever over-the-air, same-day network coverage of the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) -- the world's richest horse race -- and the UAE Derby (UAE-II) on March 25.

The series will conclude with a Triple Crown special on April 29.

"We are proud to once again work with our partners at ABC and ESPN to present this exciting series," said D.G. Van Clief, Jr., commissioner of the NTRA. "Fans will have an opportunity to see all the top contenders for the Triple Crown races, as well as horses who will be prominent performers throughout 2006."

Other major Derby prep races on the schedule are the Lane's End (gr. II) from Turfway Park, ESPN2, March 25; Wood Memorial (gr. I), Aqueduct, and Illinois Derby (gr. II), Hawthorne, ABC, April 8; and the Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) and Arkansas Derby (gr. II), ABC, April 15.

Triple Crown TV Schedule