Citgo Racing to the Kentucky Derby Returns to ESPN

"Citgo Racing to the Kentucky Derby," a nine-show series on the ESPN networks that provides coverage of the key Visa Triple Crown prep races, returns next month. For the first time, the series, will also feature bonus coverage of several major races for older horses in the Breeders' Cup Classic Division-Powered by Dodge (gr. I). These races will be presented by Dodge.

"Citgo Racing to the Kentucky Derby" will present 16-Derby preps, beginning with live coverage of the Feb. 14 Fountain of Youth (gr. I) and Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) from Gulfstream Park. The March 13 Florida Derby, April 3 Santa Anita Derby, and the April 10 Wood Memorial, all grade I, will also air live.

The Classic Division fixtures to air are the March 7 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I), Feb. 7 Strub Stakes and Donn Handicap, and the April 3 Gulfstream Park Handicap, and San Bernardino Handicap. Races will be shown from 10 different venues in seven different states.

The series culminates with a Triple Crown special, airing on April 24, just seven days before the 130th running of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

ESPN kicks off its 2004 horseracing coverage with a special on the 33rd annual Eclipse Awards, Thoroughbred racing's version of the Oscars. The 2003 Eclipse Awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 26 at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla. The Eclipse Awards special will air on ESPN2 on Feb. 7 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

The Eclipse Awards recognize the sport's top equine and human performers, and are highlighted by the announcement of the Horse of the Year.