NTRA release

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today the broadcast schedule for “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA” to air on the ESPN networks beginning Saturday, July 25. The series will provide comprehensive, live coverage of Grade I summer racing fixtures from three of America’s most loved racing venues.

Beginning with the Grade 1, $350,000 Eddie Read Stakes on the turf from Del Mar, “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA” will take viewers from coast to coast as it showcases some of racing’s biggest stars—many of whom will go on to compete in the November 6-7 Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

On Aug. 8, the scene shifts to Arlington Park outside Chicago for the Grade 1 Arlington Million, which annually attracts top grass runners from around the world for its seven-figure purse. The Arlington Million also serves as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” event for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The series concludes on Aug. 29 with the $1 million Shadwell Travers Stakes from Saratoga. Known as the “Mid-Summer Derby”, the 2009 Travers could bring together all three winners from this year’s Triple Crown events—Derby winner Mine That Bird, Preakness heroine Rachel Alexandra and Belmont Stakes victor Summer Bird.

“We are very pleased to once again partner with ESPN in bringing racing fans key summer contests from three of the sport’s showpiece racetracks,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA.

 The following is the schedule for “Emirates Airline Summer Racing Presented by the NTRA” (subject to change): 

 Date            Network      Time (EDT)                Race/Event                            Track

July 25         ESPN2        8:00-9:00 p.m.       Eddie Read Stakes               Del Mar

Aug. 8          ESPN          4:30-6:00 p.m.        Arlington Million                 Arlington Park

Aug. 29         ESPN         4:30-6:00 p.m.       Shadwell Travers Stakes   Saratoga