NBCSN Plans Coverage of Louisiana Derby
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
With the Kentucky Derby less than 50 days away, NBCSN presents exclusive live coverage of the $1 million Louisiana Derby this Saturday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. ET from Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Exactly six weeks ahead of the May 4 running of the 145th Kentucky Derby, the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby marks the first prep race awarding Kentucky Derby qualifying points on a 100-40-20-10 scale for the top four finishers. War of Will is expected to be the favorite in the 11-horse field.
Ahmed Fareed hosts Saturday's coverage, alongside analysts Jerry Bailey, the Hall of Fame jockey who has twice won the Louisiana Derby, and Randy Moss.
When Saturday's coverage of the Louisiana Derby concludes, NBC Sports, in partnership with Churchill Downs, debuts a new Road to the Kentucky Derby series. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, the first of four 30-minute episodes features country music star Toby Keith, a lifelong racing fan who is now an aspiring thoroughbred breeder and owner, and an interview with Sol Kumin, co-owner of Triple Crown winner Justify. Produced by Churchill Downs, the episodes will provide viewers with an inside look of the extensive preparations for the first leg of the Triple Crown. Keith Wetzler, Executive Producer of Broadcast at Churchill Downs, produces the series.
Coverage will be streamed live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app - NBC Sports Group's live streaming product for mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs.