"The change in the draw process allows our show to give the viewer more insight into the horses that will break from the post positions drawn and the people that train and ride them," said Bill Graff , ESPN coordinating producer. "The suspense of the draw makes this one of the most unique and exciting events on ESPN and in all of sports."
In a switch to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) post position selection process, the "blind" draw used to establish the order of selection for post positions will now be conducted upon the close of entries in the Churchill Downs racing office.The actual selection of post positions by authorized agents for each Kentucky Derby entry will continue to be the centerpiece of the Kentucky Derby Post Position Selection telecast on ESPN, which this year is scheduled to be part of a special one-hour "ESPN SportsCenter at the Kentucky Derby" scheduled for Wednesday beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern.