Interactive horse racing network TVG plans extensive coverage of Smarty Jones' effort to become Thoroughbred racing's 12th Triple Crown winner, including live coverage of his first post-Preakness Stake s(gr. I) public gallop, Saturday at 8:30 a.m. (EDT) from Philadelphia Park in Bensalem, Pa. "Smarty Jones has captured the imagination Americans like no other horse in recent years," said TVG vice president and executive producer Tony Allevato. "TVG is delighted to be on the scene to follow his exploits and bring our viewers the most comprehensive coverage of his historic effort." In addition to the public gallop, TVG will present live coverage of all press conferences by the Smarty Jones connections, including those by trainer John Servis scheduled for 1 p.m. (EDT) Friday, May 21, and Monday. TVG will also air a Smarty Jones feature over the weekend, and will chronicle his arrival at Belmont Park (date and time to be determined).
During Belmont week, TVG will air the Belmont post position draw live on Wednesday, June 2 at 11 a.m. It will also present live racing from Belmont on Friday, June 4 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. On Belmont Day, Saturday, June 5, TVG will offer live coverage from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m., including a special edition of Trackside Live!: Hollywood Park that will be simulcast on Fox Sports Net 2 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The telecast will conclude with a Triple Crown recap show airing at 7 p.m. Handling the coverage for TVG will be hosts Todd Schrupp and Matt Carothers, racing analyst Frank Lyons and reporter Jeff Lifson.
