As was the case during previous Triple Crown promotions, Imus will call on the input of the many racing and sports experts at his disposal, including Mike Francesa, a top sportstalk host at the "Imus in the Morning" flagship station, WFAN in New York. During the 2002 NTRA promotion, the Imus/Francesa team made winning wagers on Point Given in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes that netted the Imus Ranch a total of more than $70,000. "We're delighted to once again team up with Don Imus, Mike Francesa and everyone connected with the 'Imus in the Morning' program," said Keith Chamblin, senior vice president-marketing & industry relations for the NTRA. "This promotion affords outstanding nationwide exposure to the Triple Crown in the name of a terrific cause."The "Imus in the Morning" radio program, broadcast weekday mornings in 77 markets in 33 states to an estimated 10 million listeners each day, is also simulcast on the MSNBC cable television network.
(From NTRA press release)Don Imus, host of the nationally syndicated "Imus in the Morning" radio program, will again join forces with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association as a partner in an ongoing Visa Triple Crown promotion. As part of the promotion, the NTRA will provide $10,000 for Imus to wager on each of the three Triple Crown races, starting with the May 1 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Any returns resulting from the $30,000 in cumulative wagers will go to the Imus Ranch. The Imus Ranch, located in Reader's Digest, N.M., provides an opportunity for children with cancer and siblings of children who were victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome to experience life on a working cattle ranch.