Racing Gets Double Shot of Derby Prep Race Coverage

Two television networks will provide 2 1/2 hours of coverage of major Triple Crown preps April 13.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association said March 6 ESPN will broadcast the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EDT, and NBC will show the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland from 4:30-6 p.m

The Wood Memorial will air as part of the CITGO Racing to the Kentucky Derby Series. The NBC telecast of the Blue Grass will feature a recap of the 2002 Triple Crown prep race season, as well as preview the Kentucky Derby. (NBC will broadcast the May 4 Kentucky. There will be same-day pre-event coverage on ESPN and ESPN2.)

"This new April 13 'doubleheader' will help introduce more fans to the leading Kentucky Derby and VISA Triple Crown contenders," NTRA commissioner Tim Smith said in a statement. "This expanded coverage also, we hope, will help continue last year's impressive TV ratings momentum for the Triple Crown."