On January 11, Churchill Downs Incorporated and NBC Sports announced a partnership to present three broadcasts featuring six Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown prep races this spring leading up to the Kentucky Derby on NBC Sports on Saturday, May 1. The three one-hour broadcasts, two on NBC and one on USA Network, will include the Louisiana Derby, Lane’s End Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, Toyota Bluegrass Stakes, and Arkansas Derby.

Each of the three, one-hour “Road to the Kentucky Derby” broadcasts will feature the races and handicapping segments in addition to lifestyle elements designed to broaden the audience for these races and to drive viewership of the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown.

“We value the relationship we have with Churchill Downs immensely,” said NBC Sports President Ken Schanzer. “Adding the broadcasts of these important Derby prep races allows us to introduce key storylines that continue to build the broadest possible audience for the Kentucky Derby and the sport of Thoroughbred racing.”

Road to the Kentucky Derby:

Saturday, March 27, USA Network – Louisiana Derby – Broadcast from Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana. Coverage will also include the Lane’s End Stakes from Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky

Saturday, April 3, NBC Sports – Santa Anita Derby – Broadcast hosted from Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. Coverage will also include the Wood Memorial from Aqueduct Race Track in Jamaica, New York.

Saturday, April 10, NBC Sports – Toyota Bluegrass Stakes – Broadcast hosted from Keeneland in Lexington Kentucky. Coverage will also include the Arkansas Derby from Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

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