Network plans 6 ½ hours of Preakness weekend coverage
Lexington, Ky. 04-08-08 ---The Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) has reached an agreement with officials at Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland Jockey Club to become the exclusive national radio network for the 2008 Peakness Stakes, it was announced today.
HRRN will provide live coverage of the 133rd Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 17, from 5:30-7:00 ET. In addition to its national Preakness Stakes coverage, HRRN plans a 3 hour live broadcast of the stakes races on the Preakness undercard from 2-5 ET, and will provide live coverage of the Pimlico Special (G1) and Black Eyed Susan (G2) on Friday, May 16. Mike Penna and Pete Kules are the founders of HRRN and will co-host the broadcasts.
HRRN, based in Lexington, KY, will air more than 50 broadcasts this year, including
Grade 1 races such as the Blue Grass Stakes, Kentucky Oaks, Stephen Foster, Arlington Million, Travers Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup. The 2008 broadcast schedule is available on the HRRN site at www.horseracingradio.net .
“Everyone at the Maryland Jockey Club takes a tremendous amount of pride in putting on a first-class show during Preakness week,” said Mike Gathagan, Maryland Jockey Club vice president of communications. “It is not only something we are proud of but the Preakness experience is special to Baltimore and Maryland. To be able to host an event of this magnitude means so much in so many ways and the addition of HRRN's national coverage will allow racing fans from coast to coast to feel as if they are here for this special event."
“The Preakness is one of the most historic and exciting events on the racing calendar” said Penna. “The possibility of having a Triple Crown candidate is usually still alive with the Derby winner, and when that horse comes to the top of the stretch, the atmosphere is electric. We are thrilled to be able to bring the excitement of this spectacular race to a national radio audience.”
About HRRN
The Horse Racing Radio Network provides live coverage of many of the sports biggest races throughout the year. In 2008, HRRN will broadcast more than 90 stakes races from 10 racetracks across the country. Each broadcast features interviews, analysis, and the live call of each race.