"Citgo" Television Racing Series Returns in '03

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has unveiled an expanded, nine-show "CITGO Racing to the Kentucky Derby" series for 2003. The series will run on ESPN.

Beginning with live coverage of the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. I) and the Hutcheson Stakes (gr. II) from Gulfstream Park on Feb. 15, "CITGO Racing to the Kentucky Derby" will present 17 races, 12 of which will be shown live. Among the 2003 highlights will be live telecasts of four grade I races:Fountain of Youth, Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Wood Memorial).

The series also features seven grade II events and four grade III stakes. The series culminates with a Triple Crown special, airing April 27, six days prior to the Kentucky Derby (gr. I).

*CITGO RACING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY
Date, Network, Time (ET), Race
Feb. 15, ESPN, 5-6 p.m., Fountain of Youth (live), Hutcheson S.
March 9, ESPN, 6-7 p.m., Louisiana Derby, El Camino Real Derby (3/8)
March 15, ESPN2, 4-4:30 p.m., Florida Derby (live)
March 16, ESPN2, 4:30-6 p.m., San Felipe Stakes (live), Tampa Bay Derby (live), Gotham S. (live)
March 22, ESPN2, 4-5 p.m., Lane's End Spiral Stakes (live), Rushaway Stakes
April 5, ESPN, 5-6 p.m., Santa Anita Derby (live), Illinois Derby (live), Aventura S. (live)
April 12, ESPN, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Wood Memorial (live), Bay Shore S. (live)
April 19, ESPN2, 6-6:30 p.m., Coolmore Lexington Stakes, Federico Tesio S.
April 27, ESPN2, 1-2 p.m. Triple Crown Special