NTRA release

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s (NTRA) Website, NTRA.com, will offer free, live video streaming this Saturday of the Grade I, $750,000 Florida Derby from Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla. The Florida Derby is a major stepping stone to the Kentucky Derby. In 2008, Big Brown used a powerful Florida Derby win as a springboard to victory in the “Run for the Roses”. Barbaro did likewise in 2006. This year’s event drew a competitive field of 11, led by Rule, who was installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite on the strength of his victory last time out in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. 

Saturday’s Webcast, to be hosted by ESPN/ABC analyst and NFL Network host Randy Moss, will begin at 6:00 p.m. (ET), with post time for the Florida Derby slated for 6:20 p.m. (ET). The race also will be televised live on HRTV.

The Florida Derby is one of several races leading to the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup World Championships that will be Webcast live on NTRA.com. The series, called “NTRA Live!”, will feature interviews with handicappers and on-track analysts, interactive chats with viewers, pre-and post-race analysis, handicapping selections, easy access to free past performance data and advance deposit wagering platforms, as well as other original and unique programming components. The programs will be produced and directed by Tim Turrell, who has produced numerous telecasts on horse racing and other sports for ESPN, The Golf Channel and others. Access to the Webcast is free.

Following Saturday’s Webcast, NTRA Live will continue on March 28 with the Webcast of the Sunland Derby from Sunland Park and on April 17 with the Coolmore Lexington Stakes from Keeneland.

The NTRA is a broad-based coalition of horse racing interests consisting of leading Thoroughbred racetracks, owners, breeders, trainers, horseplayers and affiliated horse racing associations, charged with increasing the popularity of horse racing and improving economic conditions for industry participants. The NTRA has offices in Lexington, Ky., and Rye Brook, N.Y. NTRA press releases appear on the NTRA web site, NTRA.com.